Are you a dedicated public servant or a military veteran with a passion for creating change? The new Harvard Kennedy School full scholarship for U.S. public servants & military veterans could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This guide is designed to walk you through the details of this incredible fellowship, helping you understand if you’re a good fit and how you can successfully navigate the application process. I’ve seen many qualified candidates underestimate their potential, but your years of service are exactly the kind of experience this program is designed to honor and build upon. Let’s explore how you can turn your service into a master’s degree from one of the world’s leading public policy schools.
If you have dedicated at least seven years of your life to serving the public, please don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Your unique experiences are not just a prerequisite; they are your most valuable asset. This scholarship is a powerful acknowledgment of your work and an investment in your potential. The application will be a rigorous process, but you have the grit and determination to see it through. Start preparing your materials today, articulate your story with passion and clarity, and take this bold step toward a new chapter of leadership.
The American Service Fellowship: A Closer Look
The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) recently announced a groundbreaking initiative called the American Service Fellowship. This program is the largest single-year scholarship program in the school’s history and is a direct investment in the next generation of American leaders. It’s a pilot program funded by philanthropic donations, created to support those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country and communities. Harvard Kennedy School Announcement.
This fellowship is specifically for those with significant experience in public service or the military. It’s an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day for a year, to reflect, to learn from world-class faculty, and to connect with a network of peers who share your commitment. The goal is to equip you with the advanced skills and fresh perspectives needed to tackle complex challenges and return to your career even stronger.
Who is Eligible for this Fully Funded Opportunity?
This isn’t your average scholarship. The American Service Fellowship is intentionally designed for seasoned professionals. To be considered, you must have at least seven years of public service in the United States. This broad category includes several different paths of service:
- U.S. Armed Forces: Veterans or active-duty military personnel are eligible. This is a powerful acknowledgment of the leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking developed through military service.
- Federal, State, Local, or Tribal Government: Whether you’ve worked as a policy analyst, a city planner, or in a state government role, your experience is valued.
- Civilian Service Programs: This includes alumni of organizations like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, who have dedicated themselves to serving communities at home and abroad.
- Teachers and Law Enforcement: The fellowship specifically mentions these professions, recognizing the immense impact they have on our society and the deep commitment required.
The scholarship aims to create a diverse cohort, with the school anticipating that approximately half of the fellows will come from military backgrounds and the other half from other forms of public service.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The financial details of this fellowship are truly impressive. Each recipient will receive a $100,000 award. This amount is designed to be comprehensive, covering the costs of tuition, fees, and an additional stipend to assist with living expenses during your one-year Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) program. This level of funding allows you to focus entirely on your studies and personal growth without the burden of student loans. It’s a game-changer that makes a Harvard education accessible to those who might never have considered it.
The Application Process: Your Roadmap to Success
The application for this fellowship is tied to the admission process for the HKS Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) program. It’s a two-step process you’ll want to prepare for well in advance.
- Complete the HKS MC/MPA Admissions Application: The application typically opens in September and is due in early December. The great news is that for those applying for this fellowship, the application fee will be waived.
- Complete the HKS Financial Aid Application: This separate application, which will be made available later in the fall, is what puts you in the running for the American Service Fellowship. The deadline is usually in January.
My experience advising students is that one of the most common hurdles is simply getting started. The best way to approach this is to break it down. Start gathering your materials now. This includes your resume or CV, which should highlight your professional accomplishments and leadership experiences. Begin thinking about who you will ask for letters of recommendation and start drafting your essays.
Why the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration?
The MC/MPA program is a one-year, full-time program designed specifically for experienced professionals. It’s structured to provide a comprehensive, rigorous education in policy, management, and leadership. The curriculum covers key areas such as economics, quantitative analysis, ethics, and negotiation. You’ll work alongside a diverse group of peers—including other public servants, military members, and international leaders—creating a unique and powerful network. I’ve seen many successful applicants focus on how this specific curriculum will help them achieve their future career goals, making a clear connection between their past experience and their aspirations for the future.
The Broader Impact and Why This Matters
This fellowship is more than just a scholarship; it’s a statement. It underscores the value of hands-on, on-the-ground experience in public service and the military. It’s an investment in those who have already proven their dedication to others.
The school’s dean, Jeremy Weinstein, emphasizes this point, noting that in a moment of political division, it’s more important than ever to invest in the next generation of public servants. This initiative is about training future leaders who have already demonstrated a willingness to lead their communities and their country. The American Service Fellowship is a clear example of how prestigious institutions are actively working to attract diverse talent and perspectives, recognizing that the best solutions come from those who have lived the problems they are trying to solve.
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FAQs
Q1:Who is the scholarship for?
The scholarship is for U.S. public servants and military veterans who have at least seven years of service and are applying to the one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) program at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Q2:When does the application open?
The admissions application for the MC/MPA program typically opens in September, with a deadline in early December. The financial aid application for the fellowship will follow.
Q3:Do I need to submit GRE or GMAT scores?
The GRE or GMAT is not required for the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) program application. However, you can choose to submit them if you wish to, but they are optional.
