Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026

The Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) is a fully funded weekend conference designed to connect ambitious undergraduate students with educational leaders, current HKS students, faculty, and staff. The program aims to cultivate academic excellence and expand public policy graduate education opportunities for students who may face challenges navigating graduate school pathways. During the conference, participants learn about public policy graduate programs, engage with peers on pressing policy issues, and receive information about fellowships, scholarships, and career opportunities in public service. All costs—including flights, transportation, accommodation, and meals—are covered by Harvard Kennedy School. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. two- or four-year undergraduate institution, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have completed at least two academic semesters, not be graduating in the 2026-2027 academic year, be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, hold a GPA of 3.0 or above, and demonstrate a commitment to public service. PPLC alumni have gone on to careers in federal, state, and local governments, nonprofits, NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, international institutions, and social enterprises. The application requires an online form, résumé, personal statement essay, letter of recommendation, and an undergraduate transcript.

• Enrolled in a two- or four-year U.S. undergraduate institution at the time of the conference
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen U.S. national
• Completed at least 2 academic semesters at a two- or four-year U.S. institution at the time of the conference
• Not scheduled to receive a bachelor's degree in the 2026-2027 academic year
• Eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for the current academic year (2026-27)
• Have a 3.0 GPA or above
• Demonstrate an abiding commitment to public service through activism, student leadership, civic participation, or volunteering
• Must submit: online application form, résumé, personal statement essay, letter of recommendation, and undergraduate academic transcript (may be unofficial)
• U.S. undergraduate students
• Pell Grant-eligible students
• aspiring public policy professionals
• civic-minded student leaders