Harvard Kennedy School Offers 50 Fully Funded Scholarships Through the American Service Fellowship. Apply Now

CLF Plug 1 November 16, 2025

3 minutes read

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative known as the American Service Fellowship, a major milestone in the institution’s long-standing commitment to strengthening public leadership in the United States. This fellowship provides full scholarships to at least 50 U.S. public servants and military veterans, enabling them to pursue the prestigious Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) program. It stands as the largest scholarship effort of its kind in HKS history, marking a renewed dedication to supporting those who have devoted their careers to serving the nation.

Harvard Kennedy School Offers 50 Fully Funded Scholarships Through the American Service Fellowship. Apply Now

Honoring a Legacy of National Service

The American Service Fellowship is built on the belief that public servants deserve world-class opportunities to expand their leadership skills. The fellowship targets individuals from diverse sectors, including military veterans, federal and local government officials, public school educators, law enforcement officers, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps alumni, and professionals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service. Harvard aims to build a cohort that reflects the geographic and professional diversity of the United States—from small rural towns to large metropolitan centers.

According to HKS leadership, this fellowship symbolizes an investment in the future of American governance at a moment when the nation faces significant political, social, and economic challenges. By empowering experienced public servants, the institution hopes to strengthen the capacity of communities across all 50 states.

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What the Fellowship Provides

The American Service Fellowship offers a funding package valued at $100,000, covering tuition, mandatory fees, and a living stipend for one academic year. Fellows will study full-time on Harvard’s Cambridge campus, gaining access to distinguished faculty, global policy experts, and a diverse peer network of leaders from around the world. With this support, recipients can fully immerse themselves in the MC/MPA program without the financial burdens that typically accompany graduate study.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must demonstrate:

A completed bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance
At least seven years of public service, which may include military service, government roles at any level, or full-time national service programs
Clear leadership potential and a sustained commitment to public service
The ability to commit to a full-time, in-person program for one year

Part-time applicants and those pursuing certain alternative admission pathways are not eligible for this fellowship.

Application Process

The application process consists of two steps: applying for admission to the MC/MPA program, followed by completing the HKS financial aid application. Individuals applying under the American Service Fellowship enjoy the added benefit of a waived application fee, making the process more accessible to qualified candidates across the country.

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Leadership Development Beyond Funding

In addition to financial support, fellows will participate in a leadership development program led by the Center for Public Leadership. This includes monthly seminars, experiential learning activities, and collaborative opportunities with fellow public servants. These experiences are designed to strengthen strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and policy innovation—skills essential for solving complex challenges in today’s public sector.

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Why This Fellowship Matters

The American Service Fellowship represents more than financial aid—it is a national call to strengthen the backbone of American democracy: its public servants. By equipping mid-career professionals with advanced training, global insights, and a powerful network, Harvard Kennedy School aims to elevate leaders who will drive policy solutions in communities across America.

For those who have dedicated their lives to public service, this fellowship offers a rare chance to grow, learn, and return to their communities with renewed purpose and expanded impact.

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Harvard Kennedy School Offers 50 Fully Funded Scholarships Through the American Service Fellowship. Apply Now