Application

Apply

The application portal is may be accessed here.

Please upload Letters of Sponsorship by March 22, 2024 at 5:00pm EST.

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

Details

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. Please provide this letter as soon as you have received it to help us complete the selection process; we cannot accept any sponsorship letters after March 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. The letter must be submitted to receive the fellowship.

The application deadline for the current fellowship cycle is January 19, 2024.

Applicants will be notified of award decisions in early April, 2024. Applicants should review the information provided here to learn more about eligibility, requirements, and selection criteria. 

Fellowship Eligibility

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 2024 or December 2024 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.
  • 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

  • Fellows are asked to fill out an entrance and exit survey that will be used in program assessment.
  • 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, 2024.
  • On their return to Harvard in fall 2024, fellowship recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for the program and for public service.

Review Criteria

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