Student-led Events

CPL provides funding support opportunities for HKS students engaging in the practice of leadership and hands on experiential learning through student-led conferences and symposiums within the Harvard campus. 

All conferences and symposiums must be approved by HKS DPSA before an application for CPL funding is submitted. Students must submit a budget with their application. This application is for funding support only, no logistical support will be provided. Funding support is also not guaranteed and is based on a variety of factors, including those listed below.

Conference/Symposium Requirements

• DPSA approved and finances managed in coordination with DPSA
• Student led within the Harvard campus
• Open to the entire HKS community
• Allow Q&A with the audience
• Occur at least partially on the HKS campus (if in person)
• Occur through an HKS-generated Zoom link (if remote)
• Organized by students currently affiliated with HKS

Applications will not be considered if they are:

• Not DPSA approved
• Events that engage organizations outside of the Harvard community (no co-branded or co-led events)
• Student-led treks or trips
• Journal publication costs
• Led by non-HKS facilitators
• “Invite only” or events intended solely for specific organizations or groups
• Requesting support for individual conference attendance (such as registration fees or travel to attend a conference)

Application

CPL Student-led Conferences and Symposiums Funding Application >

Students must submit a budget, using the following CPL template, with their application: Conference Symposium Budget Template.

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications are accepted and reviewed twice per academic year. Applicants will be notified 1–2 weeks after the application deadline by email if their application has been selected or not.

• Deadlines for AY25–26:
  • Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
  • Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
• If awarded, the student conference should list CPL as a supporter/sponsor/co-sponsor on conference materials, and the CPL logo should be included when possible. Please refrain from referring to CPL as a conference partner.

The goal of this program is to enable students to convene groups, spark conversations, and/or hear from speakers they would not be able to otherwise. Through this initiative, students may apply for CPL sponsorship of events—such as bringing a speaker to campus—that serve as a complement to curricular offerings at HKS. It is designed so that the students generate ideas and CPL provides the staff, logistical, and financial support to turn the concept into a reality.

CPL will sponsor a select number of these mid-sized, student-generated events each semester. Successful event proposals demonstrate impact on the HKS community and alignment with CPL’s mission. Students will play an integral role in the planning and execution of the event, working closely with the CPL Engagement Team to bring their proposed offering to the full HKS community.

CPL Support

If the proposed event is selected, the support it will receive from CPL (at the discretion of the Engagement Team) may include the following logistical support from the CPL Engagement Team:

• Staffing: The Engagement Team provides staffing support and logistical coordination for the event.
• Invitations and RSVPs: The Engagement Team will lead the creation of promotional materials. The creation of signage, agendas, or additional materials will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Space booking: The Engagement Team will identify and book a space on HKS campus for the event.
• Catering: The Engagement Team will place a reasonable order of refreshments for the event.
• Invitations to any guest speakers: The Engagement Team will coordinate, send, and manage any invitations to guest speakers along with their travel arrangements
  • CPL may offer suggestions for guest speakers. Just because a guest speaker is proposed does not mean that it is ultimately the guest speaker that will be invited. Guest speakers are approved at CPL’s discretion.
• Funding: CPL funds the event. This funding does not go directly to the student. Funding decisions rest with CPL staff alone. Students cannot offer payment to guest speakers, extend invitations, or make purchases on behalf of CPL.

Students' Roles 

Students who proposed the event are expected to play an active role planning and participating in the event. Duties can include:

• Playing a leadership role in the event, subject to CPL approval
• Moderating the event
• Promoting the event through student channels
• Partnering with the CPL Engagement team to identify guest speakers and develop the run of show.
• In consultation with the Assistant Director of Communications, writing about the event for the CPL website

Criteria

• Applicants must be current HKS students or CPL fellows
• Proposal must be for a one-time event that aligns with CPL’s mission.
• Event must aim to attract an audience of more than 20 people.
• Event must take place on HKS campus and be open to the HKS community. No student-led treks or trips.
• Event cannot be held in conjunction with organizations outside of the HKS community, cannot be led by non-HKS facilitators, and cannot be “invite only” intended solely for specific organizations or groups.
• Event budget cannot exceed $3,000.
• Applicants must submit the required application and documentation including a proposed budget.

Application

CPL Student-Generated Events Application >

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications are accepted and reviewed by the CPL Student Awards committee at two selected times during the academic year. Applicants can expect to hear back in 1–2 weeks from the application deadline and will be notified via email if their application has been selected or not. If selected, the applicant will be required to meet with the CPL Engagement Team to discuss the event further. It is the applicant’s responsibility to schedule the meeting.

• Deadlines for AY25-26:
  • Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
  • Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Branding

The CPL logo must be used in all branding of the event. Any other logos in conjunction with the event must be approved by CPL in advance.

Previous Event Examples

Global Voices in AI Regulation: Crafting Inclusive Futures

Join us for lunch and a thought-provoking discussion on the rapidly evolving impact of AI regulation with Professor Bruce Schneier, Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School and Ben Brockman, Product Sr. Manager – AI Transformation, Boston Consulting Group. With a focus on the intersection of technology, policy, and ethical AI governance, the panel will examine the importance of regulation and policy crafting that is inclusive of developing regions. Moderated by Zimran Khan, MC/MPA 2024 and CPL Equity Fellow. 

Advancing Indigenous Rights: Leadership, Reconciliation, and Social Justice

Join us for a roundtable discussion with Megan Davis, Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Visiting Professor of Australian Studies, HLS, and Megan Minoka Hill, Senior Director, Project on Indigenous Governance and Development; Director, Honoring Nations, HKS, exploring how public leaders can promote equity, cultural recognition, and partnership with Indigenous communities. Drawing from various United States, Australian, and New Zealand national efforts to address Indigenous marginalization, we will discuss inclusive policymaking, balancing tradition with modernity, and global applications of these lessons. This conversation will offer valuable insights into inclusive leadership and social justice, fostering a broader dialogue on Indigenous rights globally. Moderated by Nalini Agarwal, MPP 2025.

Indigenous Economic Development in a Changing Political Landscape

Join us for a lunch discussion on navigating Indigenous inclusion and sustainable economic development where we will examine the challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous communities as they continue to navigate sovereignty and self-governance while mitigating the impact of shifting political climates. Guest speakers, Seth Damon, Deputy Secretary, New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, and Eric Henson, Director, Ittapila Program for Nation Building Education and Outreach, will explore strategies for fostering intentional collaborations between Indigenous communities, government agencies, and the private sector, highlighting the immense economic impact that these collaborations provide. This conversation builds upon insights and perspectives learned during the CPL Fellows field experience trip to New Mexico and is part of the CPL student-generated events series. Moderated by Velika Yasay, MPP 2026 candidate.

Leading with Purpose: Authenticity in Climate Action

Join us for a candid and engaging conversation on the power of authenticity in climate leadership and how it can be used to drive meaningful change. We will examine real world insights and experiences from trailblazers in the climate action space, Miguel Sossa-Mardomingo, Vice President - Americas Sustainability GTM Lead, Capgemini, and Dr. David W. Cash, Former Regional Administrator for the United States Environmental Protection Agency's New England Office, who will discuss how integrity, empathy, and purpose can shape effective climate leadership. This lunch discussion will explore diverse pathways into the climate space including public service, corporate sustainability, and nonprofit advocacy, and discuss how students can align their career aspirations with impactful environmental action. Moderated by Keylin Rivera, MC/MPA 2025 and CPL Equity Fellow. 

The Democratic Narrative: Building New Fundamentals

Join us for a conversation on the current state of the democratic narrative where we will examine existing social trends and the growing disconnect between politics, academia, and civil society in an era of political change. Speakers, Danielle Allen, James Bryant Conant University Professor, Harvard University; Founder and Chairperson, Partners in Democracy, and Enrique Bravo-Escobar, Senior Program Officer, National Endowment for Democracy, will explore strategies that can be implemented to address current challenges to overcoming polarizing political discourse, regaining and shaping public trust, and pathways to reclaim a shared vision of democratic governance in the face of rising division. Moderated by David Riveros Garcia, CPL Gleitsman Fellow and MPA 2025.

CPL seeks to encourage and enable debate and dialogue among students providing targeted support for small student-led gatherings for current CPL fellows. Examples of these small-scale events included student roundtables or even a coffee-hour discussion session. 

CPL Support

If the proposed event is selected, it can be eligible to receive the following logistical support from CPL on a case-by-case basis:

• Catering and/or Media Services: The Engagement Team will determine any limited staff support for assisting students with booking catering (limited refreshments) or media services.
• Promotion: The Engagement Team will evaluate if it is appropriate to include the event in CPL newsletters or messages to CPL Fellows. However, the student bears the primary responsibility for publicizing the event.
  • Note: CPL does not provide funding directly to the student nor cover speaker fees, honorarium, or travel for these small-scale events.

Students' Roles

Students are responsible for the event itself. This includes the agenda, moderation of the event, technology needs, room booking, room set up, managing invitations, RSVPs, publicizing, etc.

Branding

The CPL logo may not be used for these events.

Criteria

• Applicants must be current CPL student fellow(s) and the event must be student-led.
• Event must be approved by DPSA, meaning students must show proof of this approval by uploading their room reservation confirmation in their application.
  • All student-run events need to be hosted by a recognized student organization.
• Event must be a one-time occurrence that aligns with CPL’s mission.
• Event cannot be for more than 20 people.
• Event must take place on the HKS campus, be open to HKS students, and abide by all school policies. 
• Event must be held during the current academic year when classes are in session.
• Event cannot be held in conjunction with outside organizations, cannot be led by non-HKS facilitators, and must be facilitated by current CPL fellow(s).
• Event budget cannot exceed $500.

Application

CPL Student-Generated Events Application >

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications are accepted and reviewed twice per academic year. Applicants will be notified 1–2 weeks after the application deadline by email if their application has been selected or not. If selected, the applicant is required to meet with the CPL Engagement Team to discuss the event further.

• Deadlines for AY25–26:
  • Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
  • Wednesday, January 28, 2026  at 11:59 p.m. ET