The Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) connects ambitious undergraduate students with educational leaders and resources designed to cultivate academic excellence and expand public policy opportunities for those who may face challenges in navigating graduate education pathways.
PPLC alumni have gone on to pursue further study in public policy and careers in public service as leaders in:
- Federal, state, or local governments
- Nongovernmental organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Intergovernmental organizations
- International institutions
- Social enterprises
During the PPLC, you will have the chance to learn more about public policy graduate school and how it can impact your life and career. You will connect with current HKS students, faculty, and staff as well as other dynamic undergraduate students around pressing policy issues, and experience what it is like to be an HKS student for a weekend. You will also receive important information about fellowship and scholarship opportunities that can help fund your HKS graduate studies, and public policy career opportunities.
Learn about student eligibility requirements, application requirements, and more below to submit a complete and competitive application. If you have any additional questions, please contact PPLC Admissions.
The application period for PPLC 2026 will be from May 2026 to July 2026. More specific dates will become available as the application window approaches.
If you are interested in applying to the conference, we require you to submit:
- Your online application form
- Your résumé
- A personal statement essay
- A letter of recommendation (we advise that you ask your recommender as early as possible)
- An undergraduate academic transcript, which may be unofficial
To be considered for PPLC, you must:
- Be enrolled in a two- or four-year U.S. undergraduate institution at the time of the conference
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, or non-citizen U.S. national
- Have completed at least 2 academic semesters at a two- or four-year U.S. institution at the time of the conference
- Not be scheduled to receive a bachelor’s degree in the 2026-2027 academic year
- Have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or above
- Demonstrate an abiding commitment to public service through activism, student leadership, civic participation at school, in your community, or through volunteering. These details should be included in your resume and personal statement essay.
Yes, all costs associated with attending the Public Policy Leadership Conference are paid for by Harvard Kennedy School, including, but not limited to, transportation, accommodation, and meals while at the conference.