Note: Application information from AY 2012–2013 has been left here for your reference. Please note that terms may vary slightly from year to year, so be sure to check the site for updated information during the next application cycle.
Overview
- Gleitsman Fellows are awarded a scholarship up to full tuition and health fees for one year.
- Successful applicants will be considered based on their demonstrated potential as emerging social activists and innovators and interest in pursuing a career with transformative impact on society, as well as demonstrating strong character and excellent academic credentials.
- Fellows are eligible for a stipend up to $1500 to support unpaid summer internships or professional development.
- Gleitsman Fellows will participate in a rich cocurricular program offered by the Center for Public Leadership.
- This fellowship is open to students entering their first year of study in any of the Harvard Kennedy School's masters degree programs.
- Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply.
Details
The Gleitsman Program in Leadership for Social Change was founded at HKS in 2007 through an endowed gift from the estate of philanthropist Alan L. Gleitsman to recognize students for their backgrounds or potential as activists.
Fellows are selected based on outstanding merit, but awards will not exceed demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Kennedy School’s Student Financial Services. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. Active participation in the weekly co-curricular program is a requirement of all fellows for the duration of their award.
During their fellowship year, the Gleitsman Fellows are part of the Center for Public Leadership's community of graduate fellows and participate in an enriching cocurricular experience designed to enhance and engage their development as the next generation of public leaders. The cocurricular program typically includes a welcome retreat, a weekly series of speakers and workshops, a field experience (multi-day trip to a major U.S. city), and opportunities to connect with other Center for Public Leadership fellows and alumni.
How to Apply
The Gleitsman Fellowship application for the 2013–2014 academic year is now closed. Please check the web site in early December 2013 for the 2014–2015 academic year application materials.
Application Materials
You must submit the following through MYFAID:
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae between one and four pages in length.
- Personal statement of 1000 words or less addressing your potential as an emerging social activist and/or innovator, and interest in pursuing a career with transformative impact on society, and how the fellowship experience would further your development as a public leader. Essays should be single spaced and make reference to the professional and/or personal experience, training, interests and future plans germane to this fellowship.
- Two letters of recommendation specific to your fit for the Gleitsman Fellowship. The letter must be in PDF form, signed by the referrer, on letterhead indicating the referrer’s institution.
Please note that the deadline to submit a fellowship application is the same as the general financial assistance application deadline, which usually falls in February.
Interviews
Finalists for the Gleitsman Fellowship will be asked to come to Harvard Kennedy School (if local) or call in for a phone interview with members of the Gleitsman Fellowship Selection Committee.
Important Notes
- The Gleitsman Fellowship selection committee does not see the personal statements, transcripts, or letters of recommendation submitted to the HKS admissions committee, only the documents submitted on this form.
- Students may apply for multiple fellowships at CPL, but we encourage applicants to think about which fellowship aligns with his/her experience and goals.
- All students’ application materials go to the Financial Aid office; any questions regarding the Financial Aid site or general application should be directed to Student Financial Services. CPL may only accept those letters sent separately by recommenders.
