The Institute of Politics at Harvard University |

Community Conversations

Brittany Packnett Cunningham

Given the enormity of this moment, the Institute of Politics is creating a space for support, reflection, connection and healing. On Wednesday, July 8th at 7pm ET, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, IOP Director’s Leader and Resident Fellow S'18 will join our student community to lead a conversation to discuss the current movement and ways we can each walk, act, write, or speak in the name of change.

Student RSVP here
Campus Civic Engagement

Harvard Votes Challenge

More than 50 student organizations across Harvard have pledged to register, engage, and turn out 100% of voter eligible members ahead of Election Day 2020.

Learn more about the Pledge to 100%
Fast Forum

Annise Parker & Julian Cyr

In celebration of Pride Month, the Institute of Politics welcomed Mayor Annise Parker, CEO and President of the Victory Fund and Victory Institute, and Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr for a Fast Forum. Together, they discussed their efforts to support LGBTQ+ candidates and increase the LGBTQ+ representation in elected offices across the country.

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Celebrating the

IOP Class of 2020

Join IOP students, alumni, staff, and former Fellows to say "Congratulations" to the Institute of Politics' graduating seniors in the Class of 2020.

Watch here
Fast Forum

Mayor Melvin Carter

Mayor Melvin Carter, mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota joined the IOP to share reflections on this movement for Black lives and what local leaders can do to engage activists and combat police brutality.

Watch here
Spring 2020

Harvard Youth Poll

Vice President Joe Biden significantly leads President Donald Trump among all young Americans (+23), and his advantage among likely voters (+30) is comparable to what Senator Bernie Sanders would have enjoyed at the top of the Democratic ticket. Concern about the Coronavirus and health care, replaced the economy and environment, as the issues of most significant national concern.

Explore the findings
Frequently Asked Questions

2020 Summer of Service

The Institute of Politics is committed to continuing the long-standing tradition of supporting Harvard College students in their pursuit of politics and public service through summer internship opportunities. In light of the University’s guidance regarding COVID-19, all summer 2020 IOP internships will be conducted remotely.

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OUR MISSION + PASSION

The Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard University was established as a living memorial to America's youngest elected president, John F. Kennedy. Since its founding half a century ago, the Institute has used its programming and activities to ignite passion, appreciation and respect for politics and public service in the hearts and minds of every generation. More »

TheJFK Jr Forum

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Upcoming Forums

Check back in September for our fall programming

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Strengthening Democratic Institutions

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Race, Media and Politics

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A Conversation with Malala Yousafzai

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America and the World: A Conversation with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy & Senator Ed Markey

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Goldsmith Awards Ceremony 2019 with Marty Baron

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Free Speech, Open Minds and the Pursuit of Truth

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Robotland: The Future of Labor Policy and Work in an AI World

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A Conversation with John Kerry

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Brexit: What’s Next?

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Moral Resistance: When Faith & Activism Meet in the Streets

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Big Tech and Democracy

dellavolpe 1 day 2 hours ago

RT @dellavolpe: Way back in '17, @harvardiop student pollsters asked several thousand 18-29-year-olds- "What one piece of advice would you…

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Harvard 3 days 1 hour ago

RT @Harvard: In his famous speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?,” Frederick Douglass implored the audience to think about the…

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harvard_trotter 3 days 2 hours ago

RT @harvard_trotter: Today, on this #IndependenceDay we reflect on the prophetic words of abolitionist and freedom fighter, Frederick Dougl…

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PROGRAMS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

The IOP offers 16 major programs for undergraduate involvement including the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, a fellowship program with top political practitioners, over 100 paid internships; a nonpartisan, quarterly journal; and a nationwide survey project of millennials’ political views.