Inspiring public service, civic engagement, and leadership for more than 50 years

The Institute of Politics inspires students to lives in politics and public service.

Our mission is to engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service. Founded in 1966 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the Institute strives to promote greater understanding and cooperation between academia and public affairs.

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Latest Events

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Programs for Undergraduates

The Institute of Politics is home to fifteen programs in politics and public service service for Harvard undergraduates. Plan our JFK Jr. Forum series, help one of our resident fellows, write for our political journal, participate in the nation's oldest collegiate debating society, organize the campus "get out the vote" operation, and so much more.

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Campaign and Advocacy Program
Citizenship Tutoring
Community Action
Fellows & Study Groups
Civics
Harvard Political Review
Harvard Political Union
Harvard Votes Challenge
John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum
Policy Groups
Politics of Race and Ethnicity
Public Opinion Project
STEAM
Women's Initiative in Leadership

Internships &
Career Services

The IOP Director's Internship, Summer Stipend, and Senior Start-up programs make it possible for more than 200 Harvard undergraduates and recent graduates to take fully-paid summer internships or to help get started on a career in government, politics, journalism, and other public service roles each year. 

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Director's Internships

The Director's Internship program pairs undergraduates with high-profile organizations and elected officials in Boston, Washington, DC, across the country, and around the world for funded internships that may otherwise be difficult for students to obtain or finance.

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Summer Stipend

For undergraduates who find their own unpaid or low-paid public service summer internships, the IOP Summer Stipend Program provides funding to help cover the cost of rent, food, and other necessities for the summer.

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Senior Start-Up Stipend

Graduating seniors who are pursuing a full-time post-graduation role in politics or public service can apply for an IOP Senior Start-Up Stipend to help cover relocation costs, housing, clothing, and other basic living expenses when leaving campus.

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Recent News &
Announcements

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Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) Joins the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School as a Spring 2023 Visiting Fellow
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CAMBRIDGE, MASS . – The Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School today announced that former Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) will join the IOP as a visiting fellow for the Spring 2023
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Harvard’s Institute of Politics Announces Fall 2023 Resident and Visiting Fellows
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CAMBRIDGE, MA – The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School today announced the appointment of seven Resident Fellows and two Visiting Fellows who will join the IOP for the Fall 2023 semester
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Jacinda Ardern has a lot to be proud of as former prime minister of New Zealand, and one big confession to make
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Speaking to a full audience at the JFK Jr. Forum, Ardern said when creating policy, one thing worked best when her country faced the Christchurch murders, COVID, even cow emissions: “Bring in the
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