Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School · Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Applications are open for the Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership Equity Fellowship for the 2027 to 2028 academic year. The fellowship supports emerging leaders who are committed to reducing inequality, addressing systemic barriers, and advancing equity in underserved communities. It combines financial support toward a master’s degree at Harvard Kennedy School with a yearlong leadership development programme.
Hosted by the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, the fellowship is designed for students who want to strengthen their leadership abilities while preparing for careers focused on public service and social change. Fellows participate in structured learning activities, mentorship, reflective practice, and conversations with experienced leaders
The programme brings together students from different academic disciplines and professional backgrounds who share an interest in tackling challenges affecting marginalized communities. Through collaborative learning and engagement with peers, mentors, and public leaders, fellows develop the knowledge and practical leadership skills needed to contribute to their communities and institutions.
The Equity Fellowship is a yearlong, noncredit programme developed by Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. It complements students’ academic studies with activities that encourage personal reflection, leadership development, and collaboration across disciplines.
The fellowship aims to prepare leaders who can understand and address barriers to equity through public leadership. Fellows explore complex social challenges, learn from individuals with experience creating change, and build relationships with people working across public service, policy, community development, and related fields.
The fellowship community also extends beyond the academic year through relationships among students and alumni. Participants are encouraged to exchange ideas, develop collaborative approaches to social problems, and strengthen their capacity to serve the communities they represent.
Selected fellows receive the following benefits:
• Financial support toward a master’s degree programme at Harvard Kennedy School.
• A yearlong leadership development programme.
• Mentorship and opportunities to learn from experienced public leaders.
• Participation in dinner seminars and an annual retreat.
• Experiential learning activities and leadership discussions.
• Opportunities for reflection, practical skill development, and collaborative problem solving.
• Access to an interdisciplinary network of fellows, students, and alumni.
• Opportunities to contribute to service activities and initiatives addressing challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Financial support is limited to the cost of attendance at Harvard Kennedy School. The fellowship announcement does not specify a universal award amount, so applicants should consult the official programme information and financial aid guidance before making financial plans. For joint or concurrent degree students, fellowship support applies when Harvard Kennedy School is the school of residence, as determined by the financial aid office.
Applicants must select one focus area and identify it clearly in the title of their first essay.
• Black or African American communities in the United States: Addressing disparities and barriers affecting Black and African American communities.
• Latino communities in the United States: Exploring challenges and opportunities related to equity for Latino communities.
• Global marginalized populations: Examining inequalities and systemic barriers affecting underserved populations around the world.
Applicants should demonstrate how their interests, experience, and future plans connect with their selected area.
The fellowship is open to newly admitted students in degree programmes at Harvard Kennedy School. Applicants should be prepared to undertake full time study on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Potential applicants should meet the following expectations:
• Apply for admission to a Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree programme.
• Demonstrate leadership promise and the potential to contribute to public service.
• Show a clear interest in understanding and reducing disparities.
• Have relevant professional, academic, or community experience connected to their selected focus area.
• Present a clear vision for advancing equity through leadership.
• Be prepared to participate in the fellowship’s activities throughout the programme.
Applicants from all backgrounds may apply. The Center for Public Leadership particularly encourages applications from students belonging to underrepresented groups.
Applicants should prepare the materials required for the fellowship application through the Harvard Kennedy School financial aid system.
• Biographical profile: A third person profile of no more than 150 words, covering the applicant’s name, degree programme, place of origin and current residence, professional experience, leadership achievements, and educational background.
• Equity essay: An essay of no more than 500 words discussing an issue related to reducing disparities within the selected focus area. The title must clearly identify the chosen area.
• Leadership essay: A response of no more than 200 words explaining how the applicant hopes to develop as a leader and contribute to the Harvard Kennedy School community during the fellowship.
• Admissions application materials: Letters of recommendation submitted as part of the Harvard Kennedy School admissions application may also be considered during fellowship selection.
Applicants should review the official application instructions carefully to confirm the current prompts and submission requirements.
The selection process considers applicants’ academic credentials, leadership potential, and commitment to reducing disparities. A competitive application should clearly connect the applicant’s experience and future goals with the chosen focus area.
The selection committee may consider:
• Demonstrated leadership promise and initiative.
• A sustained commitment to addressing inequality and barriers to opportunity.
• Relevant professional, academic, or community engagement.
• The clarity and substance of the applicant’s essays.
• The potential to contribute to the fellowship community and public leadership.
Finalists are expected to be interviewed by members of the Center for Public Leadership Equity Fellowship Selection Committee in late February 2027. Applicants will be notified of the fellowship outcome following the relevant admission and selection decisions.
Applicants should complete both the Harvard Kennedy School admissions process and the separate Equity Fellowship application.
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School
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