The Public Policy and Leadership Conference at Harvard Kennedy School

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The Public Policy and Leadership Conference (PPLC) is held at Harvard Kennedy School each February to inspire talented, driven, and diverse first- and second-year undergraduate students to pursue careers in public service. Among these careers include positions in federal, state, or local government, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, intergovernmental organizations, international institutions, and social enterprises. The conference introduces students to a graduate school environment focusing on public policy and international affairs, and provides them with fellowship opportunities that may help fund their graduate studies. PPLC serves as a pipeline for first- and second-year undergraduate students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities. The PPLC is designed to embolden students to pursue professional degrees to prepare themselves to become future leaders in public policy.

Award / Eligibility Details:

All participants’ travel costs, accommodations, and meals are paid for by the Office for Student Diversity and Inclusion at Harvard Kennedy School. Only first- or second-year undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipients are eligible to apply. The PPLC application process is competitive. Selected participants have strong academic records and demonstrate a commitment to public service through activism, student leadership positions, civic participation at school or in their communities, or through volunteerism. This information must be included/referenced in applicants’ résumés and personal statements.

Deadline: Early November each year

Academic Levels: Undergraduate

Type/Purpose: Internship/Professional Development

Field of study: All, Arts & Humanities, Business, Education/Teaching, Public Affairs/Policy, Social Sciences, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Location: United States

Citizenship eligibility: Permanent Resident, US Citizen, US National

Special Circumstances: Underrepresented Group

For more information: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/degrees/diversity/pplc