Public Service

Over the course of Harvard College’s history, graduates have upheld a commitment to making the world a better place for others. The decision to devote yourself to public interest or government work represents ideals fundamental to Harvard’s mission, and many grants and opportunities for funding can help to make this choice more accessible.

  • Center for Public Interest Careers (CPIC) Internships: CPIC focuses on student development, alumni/ae engagement, and partnerships that serve community needs. 
  • IOP Director Positions: The Institute of Politics (IOP) partners with prominent organizations and elected officials worldwide to provide fully-funded, career-focused summer internships. Internships are available for undergraduate students interested in politics, government, and public service. 
  • IOP Stipend Positions: The Institute of Politics (IOP) offers funding for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors to pursue non- or low-paying summer internships in government, public interest, non-governmental organizations, and political organizations and campaigns. International internships must have a government affiliation.
  • CPIC: Arthur Liman Public Interest Law Fellowship: This fellowship provides a stipend to selected students working in public interest law positions during the summer.
  • Harvard Club Summer InternshipsSome Harvard Clubs and Shared Interest Groups raise funds to support student public service projects.
  • PBHA Summer Urban Program (SUP): PBHA’s SUP is a network of 12 community-based summer camps across Boston and Cambridge.
  • Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) Public Service Grants: MCS provides grants for students interested in pursuing a domestic public service opportunity.
  • Harvard Public Service Network: The Public Service Network (PSN), affiliated with the Phillips Brooks House, encompasses over 45 programs. These programs offer opportunities for students to work alongside community organizations and schools that provide health, educational and advocacy services.
  • Presidential Public Service Fellowship Program (PPSF): Harvard’s PPSF program supports a broad range of summer-long opportunities that serve the common good.

Research and Learning

At Harvard, you’ll have opportunities to conduct research alongside world-renowned faculty. Whether you choose to embark on your own research or assist with a faculty project, funding as available.

  • The Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Office (URAF) is Harvard College’s hub for undergraduate research grants. URAF administers ten research programs of its own and hosts a comprehensive database of opportunities. The office also provides tips for finding opportunities, writing applications, and securing funding. 
  • The Faculty Aide Program is a good place to start. This program subsidizes up to $1,500 in student wages as a way to encourage professors to hire undergraduate research assistants.

The following list highlights some of the many research grants and opportunities available.

International Travel

International study is an enriching experience, but financing study abroad can seem daunting. Funding is available for many options, including study at a foreign university, participation in humanitarian relief efforts, and internships.

There are different ways to include an international experience into your Harvard career. Students who receive grant assistance from Harvard can transfer their financial aid to an approved term-time study abroad program. You'd prefer to do a summer program? The Harvard Summer School may be able to help. Or you could design your own travel experience during summer or winter break. However you choose to do it, funding can make international study experiences possible.

Start your search at the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) and the Office of International Education. Below you'll find a selection of offices and programs that offer grants for international travel, organized by location.

Career Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a term-time job, trying to secure a summer internship, or are exploring potential career paths, we’re here to help.

Opportunities After Graduation

Seniors may consider applying for fellowships and scholarships to fund graduate study, travel, public service, research, and other experiences after graduation. The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) administers both Harvard-specific and national opportunities and helps advise students exploring the wide of array of possibilities. Learn more about postgraduate funding opportunities on URAF’s website.