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.

Learn More
jfk-bg
president

This Winter in the 
JFK Jr. Forum

View all forums

More Events

View all events

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.

See Programs
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. 

Learn more

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More

Meet Our 
Student Leadership

View all student leaders


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.
 

Exterior of Harvard Kennedy School
Lorenzo Ruiz
President
/about/student-leadership/lorenzo-ruiz
Will Smialek
Vice President
/about/student-leadership/will-smialek
Jack Tueting
Treasurer
/about/student-leadership/jack-tueting
Dhara Patel
Communications Director
/about/student-leadership/dhara-patel

Recent News &
Announcements

View all news

David Axelrod on democracy, the 2028 presidential election, and hope
Published on
David Axelrod joins Professor Nancy Gibbs in conversation on American politics, the Democratic party, and what’s ahead for the United States.
Read More
Human rights experts and former political prisoners share a somber view of Iran today
Published on
A panel hosted by the Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics and Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights shed light on the human rights tragedy unfolding before our eyes.
Read More
What would the Founding Fathers think of TikTok?
Published on
Experts weigh national security concerns against free speech in discussion of video app’s future
Read More
Register
to VOTE
https://iop.turbovote.org/?r=vote