Applicants to Harvard Kennedy School master’s programmes who have demonstrated leadership in reducing social, economic, or political disparities can seek the 2027-2028 Center for Public Leadership Equity Fellowship.
Overview
The Equity Fellowship combines financial support toward an HKS master’s degree with a yearlong leadership-development experience. It is intended for students whose work addresses disparities affecting Black and African American communities in the United States, Latino communities in the United States, or marginalised populations globally.
The Fellowship application is tied to admission to Harvard Kennedy School. Applicants must first meet the HKS master’s application deadline before completing the separate financial-aid and Fellowship process.
Benefits
- Financial Support: Selected Fellows receive financial assistance toward their Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree.
- Leadership Programme: Fellows participate in a yearlong Center for Public Leadership experience.
- Peer Community: Recipients join a cohort of students committed to equity-focused leadership.
- Mentoring and Development: The programme provides leadership development and access to Center for Public Leadership networks.
Eligibility
- Admission: Applicants must be newly admitted or seeking admission to an eligible Harvard Kennedy School master’s programme.
- Leadership: Applicants should demonstrate a record of leadership and work reducing disparities.
- Equity Focus: Relevant work may focus on Black or African American communities in the United States, Latino communities in the United States, or marginalised populations globally.
- Fellowship Application: Applicants must complete the required HKS financial-aid and Fellowship materials.
How to Apply
- HKS Degree Deadline: The Harvard Kennedy School master’s application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Eastern Time.
- Fellowship Deadline: The Equity Fellowship and financial-aid application deadline is January 15, 2027.
- Prepare Essays: The current Fellowship process includes a short biography and equity-focused essay responses.
- Submit in Sequence: Complete the HKS degree application first, then follow the Center for Public Leadership and financial-aid process for Fellowship consideration.
