News Summary
The Harvard Kennedy School has unveiled a new $100,000 scholarship initiative, the American Service Fellowship, aimed at supporting military veterans and public service workers. This program will provide 50 scholarships for a one-year master’s in public administration for eligible applicants, addressing the strong need for skilled public leaders amid a politically divided landscape. As the school faces financial challenges, this initiative represents a significant commitment to nurturing future leaders dedicated to public service.
Cambridge, Massachusetts – The Harvard Kennedy School announced on Thursday the launch of a $100,000 scholarship program aimed at supporting military veterans and public service workers. The initiative, called the American Service Fellowship, will offer 50 scholarships to help participants pursue a one-year master’s program during the 2026-2027 academic year, marking the largest single-year scholarship program in the school’s history.
Eligible applicants for the fellowships must be U.S. citizens who have served at least seven years in military service or in public sectors, including government employees, teachers, and law enforcement officers. Each scholarship will cover tuition and fees for the mid-career master’s program in public administration, which costs a total of $78,331. The remaining funds from the scholarship will be issued as a stipend to support living expenses.
The funding for this initiative comes from donations specifically raised to support the American Service Fellowship. The program is intended to attract individuals with proven leadership skills and a dedication to public service, addressing the heightened demand for effective public leadership in a time of increasing political division.
As the Harvard Kennedy School embarks on this ambitious new program, it faces significant financial challenges. The institution has been undergoing a series of cutbacks and layoffs partly attributed to pressures from the previous Trump administration. Recently publicized changes include staff reductions, downsizing office spaces, and pausing development projects, prompting discussions about the school’s financial health.
Dean Jeremy Weinstein highlighted the critical need to invest in the next generation of public servants as part of the Kennedy School’s ongoing tradition. This initiative aims to ensure a diverse applicant pool by conducting a nationwide recruiting campaign to draw candidates from all 50 states.
The scholarship application process is set to commence in September 2025, with decisions expected to be finalized by spring 2026. The American Service Fellowship follows a longstanding commitment by the Kennedy School to educate veterans, along with individuals from various backgrounds and political persuasions.
In the face of potential challenges regarding international student admissions, Harvard’s Kennedy School has also been making contingency plans. The institution caters to a diverse student body that includes a significant number of international students, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and broad participation in its academic programs.
The launch of the American Service Fellowship is a pivotal step taken by the Kennedy School, illustrating both a response to immediate financial circumstances and a dedication to developing future leaders equipped to navigate complex political landscapes.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships
- Wikipedia: Public Service
- Patch: Boston Veteran’s Teaching Contributions
- Google Search: Military Service Scholarships
- NBC Boston: BTS Members and Service
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Service
- Boston Herald: Fallen Service Members Memorial
- Google News: Veterans Scholarship Programs
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