Mission
Harvard Kennedy School trains exceptional public leaders, generates cutting-edge research, and works directly with policymakers and practitioners to make the world more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous for all.
A call to public service
Watch to hear how the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Harvard Kennedy School ask what they can do to make a positive impact on their communities.
By the numbers
History
The History of Harvard Kennedy School
HKS was founded in the 1930s as the Harvard Graduate School of Public Administration to provide an education centered on public service, public policy, and public leadership.
Now more than ever
Since its founding, HKS has stayed faithful to its mission to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in safer, freer, more just, and more prosperous societies.
Our work to advance the common good has never been more important. In the United States and around the world, many people have lost confidence in their leaders and their governments because of problems in politics, economics, security, and other aspects of our societies. To improve the lives of all people, the passion and skills of the Kennedy School community can make a crucial difference.
More Information
Educational Programs
Harvard Kennedy School offers opportunities to study public policy, administration, and leadership through a comprehensive range of academic programs.
Centers & Initiatives
Harvard Kennedy School is dedicated to advancing public policy and governance through our 12 research centers. These centers focus on conducting research, publishing findings, providing fellowships, organizing events, and enhancing our teaching programs.
Faculty & Research
The Harvard Kennedy School faculty, scholars, and practitioners advance the public interest and generate solutions to the world’s most daunting problems.