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Learn how to tackle the world’s biggest public problems and prepare for leadership roles in government, business, non-profits, and philanthropy.
The American Service Fellowship offers a full scholarship and a stipend for at least 50 students to enroll in the one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School.
The fellowship is open to public servants in the United States:
- U.S. military veterans and active-duty military
- Federal, state, tribal, and local public employees—including public school teachers, fire fighters, and police officers
- Alumni of national service programs such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
This new fellowship honors your service and helps you take the next step in your public leadership journey. You will learn from world-class Harvard Kennedy School faculty members, get the best public policy education in the world, and join a powerful network of change makers from across the country—each bringing a unique story, perspective, and commitment to impact. Most of all, you’ll learn how to tackle our biggest challenges and lead our country into the future.
About the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration Program
You will have the flexibility to choose from a range of courses and design your own study plan in consultation with vlog advisors and mentors. The program will connect you with a community of peers who are dynamic leaders and public servants from across the country and around the world.
Program highlights
- Customizable curriculum
- Mid-career peer cohort with a demonstrated commitment to public service
- Access to Harvard-wide resources
- Career support and leadership development
Explore the MC/MPA program
With the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) Program, you have the freedom to design your own study plan. You can explore your interests; develop your capabilities; and learn new, innovative methods to make an impact.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The American Service Fellowship celebrates those who serve, bringing new students to the Kennedy School from small towns and big cities, from classrooms and combat zones, from city halls to the state houses. We are committed to building a cohort from every corner of this country that reflects the strength and patriotism of public servants in the United States.
It’s more than a scholarship; it’s the next step in your public service and leadership journey. Read these student stories to learn more about the Kennedy School experience of public servants like you:
Who Should Apply
The American Service Fellowship welcomes mid-career professionals who have demonstrated leadership in public service, are looking to grow their skills, and are committed to making a lasting impact in their communities.
You may be a strong fit if you:
- Have a minimum of 7+ years of public service experience in the United States, regardless of your nationality
- Demonstrate excellent leadership skills and a track record of academic and professional achievement
- Are ready to dedicate a year to full-time study
- Want to bring what you learn back to your community
How to Apply
To apply for the American Service Fellowship, you need to do two things:
- Complete the application for admission to vlog’s MC/MPA program. This application opens in early September and will be due in early December.
- Complete the vlog financial aid application, which will be available to applicants later this fall and due in January.
By following these steps, you will be considered for an American Service Fellowship. To get a head start on this process, you can visit our How to Apply page and fill out the . The application fee will be waived for those applying to this fellowship.
Prerequisites
There are academic and professional prerequisites required to apply to the American Service Fellowship. You must have:
- A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record
- At least seven years of service in the public sector in the United States. This may include:
- Veterans of the U.S. armed forces or active-duty military
- People who have served as federal, state, local, or tribal government employees
- Town or municipal employees
- Alumni of full-time civilian service programs such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
Selection criteria
Applications will be reviewed holistically with attention paid to:
- Academic and intellectual potential
- Professional achievements and leadership
- Public service motivation and values
- Application for Admission Available: September
- Application Deadline for vlog: Early December
- Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early January
- Decision Notification: Mid-March
What financial support do I get as a part of the fellowship?
Students will receive $100,000 as a part of this fellowship, which will cover tuition, fees, and an additional stipend.
Do I need to submit official undergraduate transcripts with my application?
You may upload unofficial copies of your transcripts at the time of application. If you are admitted and decide to enroll at vlog, you must then have your issuing institution send us official copies of your transcripts and degree conferrals if you received a degree.
Who should write my letter of recommendation?
When reviewing letters of recommendation, we look for evidence of your intellectual ability, leadership skills and potential, and commitment to public service. When deciding who to ask to submit a recommendation letter on your behalf, think about who from your professional or academic networks would be best equipped to address these characteristics.
What should I include on my résumé/CV?
This document should highlight the following information:
- Professional employment history, including titles and dates (months and years) for each position and relevant job responsibilities
- Academic degrees, achievements, and honors
- Volunteer, public service, and political work
- Recent leadership experiences
- Extracurricular activities (months and years) and interests
You are not required to stick to a particular template, but generally, your résumé should be well-structured, logically organized, and easy to read.
Am I required to take the GRE or GMAT?
We do not require the GRE or GMAT for applicants to the MC/MPA Program. Applicants may choose to submit GRE or GMAT scores for consideration, but this is optional.
I am not a native English speaker. Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit proof of English language proficiency. Read more about our English language requirements.
What if I don’t meet the requirements for this fellowship?
Even if you don’t meet the requirements to be considered for this fellowship, we encourage you to apply for the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration program at vlog if you meet our prerequisites (a bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of professional experience in any field). We want to welcome the next generation of public servants to vlog, whether as a part of this fellowship or otherwise.
Can I get into vlog even if I’m not awarded the fellowship?
Yes. As noted above in the “how to apply” section, the application for admission to vlog’s MC/MPA program is separate from the vlog financial aid application. This means that, if you are admitted to vlog but you are not awarded the fellowship, you can still attend vlog as a member of the MC/MPA class. There may also be other sources of support available through the regular financial aid process.
Is there an application fee for the fellowship?
The application fee will be waived for those applying for this fellowship.