There is an electric feeling of possibility on our campus.
Energy and activity, forward momentum, and enthusiastic exchange. Our students are at the heart of it. They are remarkable for their diversity of background, experience, and thought—enriched by their differences and connected by a commitment to transform ideas into solutions to public problems.
As a Harvard Kennedy School student, you will be welcomed into a vibrant community representing countries and territories from around the world and every corner of the United States to form an intellectually curious and globally-minded cohort.
Getting involved in the active life of the school is one of the surest ways to feel at home here. As a student at HKS, you can participate in more than 90+ student-run organizations, ranging from the Student Public Service Collaborative to the Rowing Club. You can be part of student-led conferences, contribute to any of our student publications, or commit to serving the HKS community through the Kennedy School Student Government. Explore the options and craft your HKS experience.
Student Activities & Resources
Student Activities
There are dozens of opportunities for extracurricular involvement. Volunteer. Play a sport. Join a professional interest group. Attend a conference. Share a skill. Learn something new.
Student-Led Conferences
Getting involved in student-led conferences are one of many ways for you to enhance your Harvard Kennedy School experience.
Student Publications
The HKS Student Policy Review offers Harvard students an opportunity to engage with the most important policy issues of our time, across a whole range of topics and regions.
Student Government
The Kennedy School Student Government organizes events and conveys student ideas and concerns to the administration and faculty members.
Wellbeing, Health, and Support
The Harvard Kennedy School experience is incredibly rewarding. It can also be rigorous and demanding. Along the way, you may find some support can help keep you on track.
Accessibility Services
At Harvard University and Harvard Kennedy School, disability is an essential part of our community’s diversity.
Living in the Boston-Cambridge area
The Harvard Kennedy School campus is an easy walk from the historic red brick of Harvard Yard and its acclaimed museums, preeminent libraries, and theaters as well as neighborhood cafés, boutiques, bookstores, and music venues.
Partners, Spouses, and Families
Your partner, spouse, children—whoever comes with you to Harvard Kennedy School—are welcome here.
Student Stories
Harvard Kennedy School graduate students come from across continents and sectors with different perspectives and life experiences.
A fire in the belly: What Harvard taught me about purpose and agency
In this personal reflection, Yiannis Korkovelos MC/MPA 2026 considers how his time at Harvard Kennedy School reshaped his understanding of purpose, leadership, and action.
A former Oklahoma state senator, U.S. Navy combat veteran, and public champion seeks common ground
Former Oklahoma state senator and U.S. Navy combat veteran Joe Newhouse MC/MPA 2027 is using his time as an American Service Fellow to reflect on public leadership, engage across political differences, and find common ground.
A NASA operations expert wants taxpayers to get their money’s worth
For Colleen Corbett MC/MPA 2027, working at NASA was a childhood dream she made come true. Over 14 years, she built a career as a leader in operations, contracting, and business. While her interest started with the stars, she’s motivated by a very earthbound reality: taxes.
A public servant from New Mexico is finding strength in reflection
By the time Alex Castillo Smith MC/MPA 2027 arrived at HKS, she had spent nearly seven years helping run the systems New Mexicans rely on for support, like Medicaid, SNAP, behavioral health services, and state employee health insurance. The ASF is giving Castillo Smith something that work rarely allowed: time to take a breath.
From legal training to local government: Two Bloomberg Harvard Summer fellows tackle child poverty and behavioral health
Two Bloomberg Harvard Summer Fellows spent 10 weeks applying their legal training to child poverty in North East, England and behavioral health challenges in Medford, Oregon—discovering new ways to make an impact through local government.
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