Transition Term

Transition Term is one of Harvard Kennedy School's most popular experiential learning opportunities that challenges students to put their skills and passion for government to work while supporting newly elected mayors, county executives, and governors from across the country as they shift from campaigning to governing.

Now in entering its fifth year, Transition Term is a nonpartisan program that matches newly elected leaders with teams of HKS students who join them full-time for three weeks during the Kennedy School’s January Term. Students are selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants and help accelerate projects based on each host administration’s priorities and rapidly evolving needs that arise during the intense early weeks of governing.

By participating in Transition Term, administrations benefit from the skills, talent, and dedication of HKS students who are passionate about state and local government work. And students gain real-world experience accelerating key priorities during the frenetic early days of governing and learning about career paths in state and local governments.

Read about our 2023 Transition Term Cohort. 

Where Transition Term Students Have Served

Since launching in 2018, Transition Term has placed nearly 100 students in the offices of 34 newly elected mayors, county executives, and governors spanning the country. See our Transition Term placements below.

For Newly Elected State and Local Leaders

Transition Term provides new mayors, county executives, and governors with support at a time when these administrations are most in need of extra capacity. If you are interested in getting transition support from HKS students through Transition Term, please contact Taubman Center Executive Director Rafael Carbonell at rafael_carbonell@hks.harvard.edu. The Taubman Center typically matches teams of HKS students with new administrations participating in Transition Term each November following state and local elections.