Inspiring public service, civic engagement, and leadership for nearly 60 years

The Institute of Politics inspires students to lead 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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This Spring in the 
JFK Jr. Forum

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More 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 Committee
Fellows & Study Groups
CIVICS
Harvard Political Review
Harvard Political Union
Harvard Votes Challenge
John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum
Governance Lab
Policy Program
Politics of Race and Ethnicity
Public Opinion Project
Research & Strategy Group
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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Meet Our 
Student Leadership

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Students play a critical role in the leadership of the IOP, determining our programming and priorities and innovating to expand the reach of our work.
 


Meet our elected Executive Team and the chairs of our student programs who comprise the Student Advisory Committee.
 

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Lorenzo Ruiz
President
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Will Smialek
Vice President
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Jack Tueting
Treasurer
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Dhara Patel
Communications Director
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Recent News &
Announcements

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Ex-Trump envoy makes case for Iran attack
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President acted in response to ‘culmination of threats,’ says Morgan Ortagus
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Marty Walsh reflects on leadership, labor, and hockey
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At a John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, the former Boston mayor and U.S. labor secretary, discussed his union roots, the importance of workforce training, and why local leadership makes a difference.
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Reflections on two student leadership programs as the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School turns 60
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The Harvard Youth Poll and John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum put students at the center of civic engagement.
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