HKS Center for Public Leadership: George Leadership Fellowship Grant

HKS Center for Public Leadership: George Leadership Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) - Harvard University
Amount: US $12,000
Last Updated: February 23, 2026

Summary

The HKS Center for Public Leadership's George Leadership Fellowship offers financial support and leadership development for third-year students in the joint HKS/HBS program. Recipients receive a $12,000 stipend and access to a network of mentors and peers. This merit-based fellowship emphasizes character formation and ethical leadership, aiming to cultivate leaders who will drive positive change across sectors. Eligible students are contacted during their second year, with a focus on authentic leadership experiences.

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. George Leadership Fellowship The George Leadership Fellowship supports selected students in the third year of the joint degree program offered through Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). The fellowships reflect the foundation’s commitment to enhancing public service by investing in character formation and leadership development. What We Offer The fellowship provides: Financial support for third year joint HKS/HBS students at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School A one year co-curricular/leadership development program with sessions that are led by fellows A network of exceptional peers and mentors who will enhance your ability to impact the communities you serve Recipients of the George Leadership Fellowship will receive a $12,000 stipend during their third year as a joint degree student at HKS/HBS.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The fellowship is open to all incoming third-year students in the joint-degree program at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. Eligible students will be contacted by CPL early in the spring semester of their 2nd year. The fellowships are merit-based and administered by the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. The George Leadership Fellowship is awarded based on the recipient’s potential to lead change for the common good. George Leadership Fellows have a strong moral compass and the capacity to work across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.Special emphasis is placed on authentic leadership, character development, and ethical leadership. Applicants are asked to provide an example of a crucible moment in their lives that helped shape who they are as an authentic leader and how this experience shaped how they lead and empower others.