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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

Forum »

Upcoming Forums

Check back in September for our fall programming

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Race, Media and Politics

A Conversation with Malala Yousafzai

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

Goldsmith Awards Ceremony 2019 with Marty Baron

Free Speech, Open Minds and the Pursuit of Truth

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

A Conversation with John Kerry

Brexit: What’s Next?

Moral Resistance: When Faith & Activism Meet in the Streets

Big Tech and Democracy

PROGRAMS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

The IOP offers 15 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.

50 YEARS

CREATING THE FUTURE OF POLITICS

Read the story of Jacqueline Kennedy and the founding of the IOP
October 1966
A collection of the best moments in the John F. Kennedy Jr Forum including interviews with students and political leaders
September 2003
Jorge Ramos emphasizes the importance of the Latino vote in the 2016 presidential campaign.
May 2015
National Book Award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates discussed race and his book "Between the World and Me"
November 2015
Meet the winners of the 2015 New Frontier Awards- young Americans changing the country with their commitment to public service.
November 2015
Five questions with Wendy Sherman, former IOP Fellow and lead US negotiator with Iran.
October 2015
At the IOP, we work to celebrate President Kennedy's legacy of public service every day.
November 2013
Cory Booker in the JFK Jr. Forum on the ongoing quest for the American Democracy in cities
March 2007
Humans of New York founder Brandon Stanton explained the founding of his popular storytelling blog.
February 2015
IOP student alum Elise Stefanik is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress
March 2015

Now

05/08/2019

Advance Camp: Three Lessons to be Learned

A few fellow undergraduates and I traveled to the day-long conference held on Howard University’s campus in D.C. Although nominally partisan, Advance Camp and its panelists offered instructive lessons for those of all political persuasions, including those itching to apply their talents outside of... More »
05/06/2019

2019 Director's Interns To Serve Across Twenty States This Summer

The Director’s Internship program has been a signature of the IOP for nearly 25 years. Each summer, the IOP works with more than 150 government offices, non-profits and news organizations to provide internships for students who are looking to pursue careers in politics and public service.More »
03/15/2019

IOP in the Classroom: CIVICS Program

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