Harvard Kennedy School Equity Fellowship 2027: Financial Support and Leadership Development

Overview

The Harvard Kennedy School Equity Fellowship gives newly admitted students financial support toward a master's degree together with a leadership development programme run by the school's Center for Public Leadership. It is aimed at students committed to understanding and reducing disparities affecting Black/African American communities in the United States, Latino communities in the United States, and marginalized populations globally. The 2026-2027 academic year is the final year the fellowship will be available, and only MC/MPA applicants are being considered in this cycle.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to newly admitted degree-programme students at Harvard Kennedy School, currently limited to MC/MPA applicants. Students from all backgrounds are eligible, and applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged. Candidates are judged on academic credentials and demonstrated leadership promise, interest and work related to reducing disparities in their chosen focus area, and must apply for admission to the school before applying for the fellowship through the financial aid portal.

What you get

Fellows receive financial support toward the cost of attendance. For joint or concurrent degree students, the aid applies when Harvard Kennedy School is the school in residence. Fellows also join a yearlong, not-for-credit co-curricular programme with dinner seminars, an annual retreat, experiential learning, mentorship, reflection and leadership skill building, and become part of a community of peers and mentors. They are expected to keep good academic standing, attend programming, take part in leadership and service activities and represent the Center for Public Leadership and Harvard University responsibly.

Requirements

Applicants choose one focus area: the Black/African American community in the United States, the Latino community in the United States, or global marginalized populations. They submit a biographical profile of up to 150 words, a 500-word essay on a disparity topic they care about with specific examples, and a 200-word response on how they hope to develop and contribute as leaders at the school. Fellowship essays and recommendation letters from the admissions application are submitted through the financial aid portal by the applicable deadline.

Key dates

Finalists are interviewed in late February by the selection committee, and applicants are notified of selection after admission to the school.