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 Cambridge
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, know one important thing: they are welcome here.
Student Stories
Harvard Kennedy School graduate students come from across continents and sectors with different perspectives and life experiences.
For Sisay Lelissa MPA/ID 2026, opportunity comes with responsibility
Sisay Lelissa MPA/ID 2026 reflects on the journey that brought him from Ethiopia to Harvard Kennedy School—and on his commitment to turning opportunity into impact for communities across Africa.
Reimagining how cities work
Cesar R. Hernandez MC/MPA 2026 is building a democratic “civic operating system” so smart cities of the future are equitable, accountable, and human-centered.
Creating space for Latinx voices in the public policy sphere
The U.S. Latinx Symposium at Harvard Kennedy School, held on April 24, marked a significant step toward more fully representing Latinx experiences and leadership in the public policy sphere.
From rural Mississippi to JSI@HKS to the MPP Program: A Q&A with Lily Langstaff MPP 2027
Growing up in rural Mississippi, Lily Langstaff MPP 2027 never imagined she would one day pursue a master's degree in public policy. As the first JSI@HKS Summer Scholar to enroll at HKS, Lily reflects on her journey to the MPP Program and experience so far.
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