HKS Center for Public Leadership: David M. Rubenstein Fellowship Grant

HKS Center for Public Leadership: David M. Rubenstein Fellowship Grant

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

Summary

The David M. Rubenstein Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports first-year joint-degree students from HKS and Harvard Business School, fostering leaders equipped to tackle global challenges. This fellowship offers financial aid, a comprehensive leadership development program, and a network of exceptional peers and mentors. Candidates are evaluated based on their commitment to public service and leadership potential. Since its inception in 2008, it has aimed to enhance the intersection of business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Overview

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. Center for Public Leadership The Center for Public Leadership’s mission is to inspire and enhance the capacity for principled, effective public leadership in government, politics, civil society, and business. We bring together faculty, students, and practitioners to bridge theory and practice in scholarship, education, and community. David M. Rubenstein Fellowship David M. Rubenstein established a fellowship in 2008 for first-year joint-degree students at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School. Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School have created a fully integrated joint-degree program in business and government that represents an innovative approach to preparing leaders for a growing area of practice of critical importance to global society. Students enrolled in the joint-degree program will be prepared to work in positions of influence at the intersection of business, government, and nonprofit organizations, dealing with challenges in such critical areas as health care, the environment, economic development, and government. What We Offer The fellowship provides: Financial support for the first year of a joint master’s degree program at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School A comprehensive co-curricular program to augment your leadership development A network of exceptional peers and mentors who will enhance your ability to impact the communities you serve Recipients of the Rubenstein Fellowship will receive a scholarship award.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Student applicants admitted to the HKS/HBS joint-degree program who are not a part of another CPL fellowship are eligible for the Rubenstein Fellowship during their first year at Harvard Kennedy School. Applicants will be considered based on their demonstrated commitment to public service, leadership potential in the tri-sector space, and interest in the fellowship. Successful candidates will also demonstrate excellent academic credentials.