Application

The application for Summer 2026 is now closed. We anticipate opening the application for Summer 2027 in December, 2026.

For any questions or inquiries, email pres_fellowships@harvard.edu. 

The Presidential Public Service Fellowship application includes the following components:

• Contact information
• Project proposal
• Résumé
• Unofficial Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation (one of which must be from a Harvard faculty or staff member)
• Letter of sponsorship from the employer/organization with which the applicant has secured a public service position.

The application deadline for the 2026 fellowship cycle was February 5, 2026.

Applicants will be notified of award decisions in late March, 2026. Applicants should review the information provided here to learn more about eligibility, requirements, and selection criteria. 

Fellowship Eligibility

• Returning (degree-seeking) undergraduate, graduate, and professional School students are eligible to apply for this one-time award.
• Students in on-line programs and/or students who will graduate in May 2026 or December 2026 are not eligible to apply.
• Previous recipients of the Presidential Public Service Fellowship are not eligible for consideration.
• Funds are available for summer service placements, internships, employment, or other projects. Research or thesis-related activities are not eligible for funding.
• Undergraduate students must adhere to the Harvard College Summer Funding Policy.
• The employment or project must take place within the United States.
• The length of the summer employment or project must be at least eight weeks.
• A minimum commitment of 30 hours per week is required.

Fellowship Requirements

• A brief project update and five or more photographs are due to the program administrators during the summer.
• A reflection report of no less than 1,000 words is due to program administrators in September, 2026.
• On their return to Harvard in fall 2026, fellowship recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for the program and for public service.

Selection of PPSF recipients is based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to public service
• Relationship of proposed project to student’s academic goals and broader undergraduate, graduate, or professional School experience
• Relationship of proposed project to student’s evolving career interest
• Potential impact of proposed job or project