HKS American Service Fellowship Grant

HKS American Service Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) - Harvard University
Last Updated: November 28, 2025

Summary

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

Overview

Note: You will apply for HKS scholarships and fellowships after you have completed your application for admission to HKS’s MC/MPA Program but before you receive your admission decision. Mission Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. American Service Fellowship The American Service Fellowship offers a full scholarship and a stipend for at least 50 students to enroll in the one-year, on-campus Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) Program at Harvard Kennedy School. The American Service Fellowship welcomes mid-career professionals who have demonstrated leadership in public service, are looking to grow their skills, and are committed to making a lasting impact in their communities. The fellowship is open to public servants in the United States: U.S. military veterans and active-duty military Federal, state, tribal, and local public employees—including public school teachers, fire fighters, and police officers Alumni of national service programs such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps This new fellowship honors your service and helps you take the next step in your public leadership journey. You will learn from world-class Harvard Kennedy School faculty members, get the best public policy education in the world, and join a powerful network of change makers from across the country—each bringing a unique story, perspective, and commitment to impact. Most of all, you’ll learn how to tackle our biggest challenges and lead our country into the future.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. You may be a strong fit if you: Have a minimum of 7+ years of public service experience in the United States, regardless of your nationalityDemonstrate excellent leadership skills and a track record of academic and professional achievementAre ready to dedicate a year to full-time study on our campus in Cambridge, MassachusettsWant to bring what you learn back to your community Prerequisites & Eligibility There are academic and professional prerequisites required to apply to the American Service Fellowship. You must have: A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic recordAt least seven years of service in the public sector in the United States. This may include:Veterans of the U.S. armed forces or active-duty militaryPeople who have served as federal, state, local, or tribal government employeesTown or municipal employeesAlumni of full-time civilian service programs such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps

Ineligibility

Please note that MC/MPA applicants who are applying through the Public Leadership Credential (PLC) Pathway, and those who enroll in the MC/MPA Program as part-time students, will not be eligible for the American Service Fellowship.