Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership Equity Fellowship 2027-2028

Overview

The Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership Equity Fellowship 2027-2028 is a yearlong co-curricular program designed to inspire participants, build concrete leadership skills, and connect fellows with an interdisciplinary network of peers and mentors. Fellows take part in dinner seminars, an annual retreat, and experiential learning based on discussions with visionary leaders who have achieved significant global impact. The program aims to strengthen public leadership capacity through reflection, mentorship, and skill building, while creating a vibrant network of students and alumni dedicated to advancing knowledge, solving problems affecting marginalized communities, and building leadership capacity globally.

Who can apply

Applicants should have demonstrated leadership promise, interest, and work in reducing disparities in Black or African American, Latino, and other underserved communities. Candidates must also be ready for full-time study on the Harvard Kennedy School campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. When applying, candidates must indicate one of three areas of focus: the Black or African American community in the United States, the Latino community in the United States, or global marginalized populations.

What you get

The fellowship provides financial support toward the cost of attendance for a master’s degree program at Harvard Kennedy School, alongside a comprehensive co-curricular program for leadership development and an exceptional network of peers and mentors. For joint or concurrent degree students, financial aid from the fellowship is provided when Harvard Kennedy School is the school in residence, as determined by the financial aid office.

How to apply

The application process consists of two steps. First, applicants must complete the application for admission to their selected Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree program by December 1, 2026. Second, candidates must apply to the CPL Equity Fellowship on the Harvard Kennedy School financial aid application by January 15, 2027, by checking the box to select their specific equity-based area of focus and submitting the required materials.

Key dates

The application for admission to the master’s degree program is due on December 1, 2026. The CPL Equity Fellowship application on the financial aid application is due on January 15, 2027.