The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Center for Public Leadership is accepting applications for the prestigious Equity Fellowship for the 2027 academic year. Designed for exceptional emerging leaders committed to reducing disparities and advancing equity, the fellowship provides financial support for a master’s degree, leadership development programming, mentorship, and access to a global network of changemakers.
Open to newly admitted HKS students from all backgrounds, the fellowship is particularly relevant for individuals dedicated to serving marginalized communities in the United States and around the world.
About the Harvard Kennedy School Equity Fellowship
The Equity Fellowship recruits outstanding graduate students who intend to build careers focused on understanding and dismantling systemic barriers to equity. Hosted by Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership (CPL), the fellowship combines academic funding with an intensive year-long leadership experience that equips fellows to drive meaningful social change.
Applicants must select one of three equity focus areas during the application process:
- Black/African American communities in the United States
- Latino communities in the United States
- Global marginalized populations
The fellowship emphasizes interdisciplinary leadership, public service, and collaborative problem-solving while supporting scholars who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a sustained commitment to reducing inequality.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected Equity Fellows receive substantial support throughout their studies at Harvard Kennedy School, including:
- Financial support toward an HKS master’s degree
- A comprehensive leadership development programme
- Exclusive mentorship from distinguished public leaders
- Access to an interdisciplinary network of exceptional peers and alumni
- Participation in retreats, dinner seminars, and experiential leadership learning
- Opportunities to lead service activities and collaborative initiatives
For joint or concurrent degree students, financial support applies during the period when Harvard Kennedy School serves as the student’s school of residence.
Who Is Eligible?
The Equity Fellowship is open to all newly admitted degree programme students at Harvard Kennedy School.
Competitive applicants should demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Proven leadership experience
- A strong commitment to reducing disparities in underserved communities
- A clear vision for advancing equity through public leadership
- Significant professional or community engagement related to their chosen focus area
Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, although the fellowship welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
How to Apply
The application process consists of both admission to Harvard Kennedy School and a separate fellowship application submitted through the HKS financial aid portal.
Applicants must complete the following steps:
- Apply for admission to a Harvard Kennedy School master’s programme.
- Apply for the Equity Fellowship through the HKS financial aid portal.
- Select one equity focus area.
- Submit the required fellowship materials before the financial aid deadline.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must prepare:
Biographical Profile (150 words maximum)
The profile should be written in the third person and include:
- Name
- HKS degree programme
- Place of origin and current residence
- Professional experience
- Leadership achievements
- Educational background
Essay 1 (500 words maximum)
Discuss a topic related to reducing disparities within the chosen focus area. Applicants should include specific examples and clearly identify their selected focus area in the essay title.
Essay 2 (200 words maximum)
Describe how they hope to develop as a leader and contribute to the Harvard Kennedy School community during the fellowship.
Letters of recommendation submitted as part of the HKS admissions application will also be considered during the fellowship selection process.
Selection Process
Following admission to Harvard Kennedy School, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews conducted by the CPL Equity Fellowship Selection Committee in late February or early March.
Successful applicants will be notified after admission decisions and fellowship evaluations have been completed.
Lisa Garcia Quiroz Graduate Fellowship
Students applying under the Latino community focus area may also be considered for the Lisa Garcia Quiroz Graduate Fellowship. Established in memory of Lisa Garcia Quiroz, this award provides additional tuition support for emerging leaders dedicated to reducing disparities affecting Latino and other underserved communities in the United States.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
Beyond financial assistance, the Equity Fellowship offers an immersive leadership experience that connects fellows with influential policymakers, social innovators, and public leaders. Through mentorship, reflective practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration, participants strengthen their capacity to address complex challenges affecting marginalized populations locally and globally.
The fellowship is particularly valuable for professionals pursuing careers in public policy, government, international development, education, social justice, community leadership, and nonprofit management.
Application Timeline
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Harvard Kennedy School |
| Fellowship | Equity Fellowship |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Funding | Financial support for HKS master’s programme |
| Eligibility | Newly admitted HKS students |
| Focus Areas | Black/African American, Latino, Global Marginalized Populations |
| Interviews | Late February–Early March 2027 |
