Apply to be a Fellow

The Spring 2026 Application is now open. You can access and submit an application here. 

Our Fellows are selected through a competitive application process that emphasizes genuine passion for mentoring students, an innovative concept for a discussion series ("study group") to be conducted over the course of one semester, and commitment to being fully present on Harvard's campus for roughly 10 weeks. Applications are reviewed by IOP staff members as well as a dedicated "Fellows Search Committee" of undergraduate students.

Fellows are expected to be in residence in Cambridge, MA for the duration of the Fellowship, which is one academic semester (10 weeks). Spring Fellows generally arrive on campus during the first week of February and depart in late April; Fall Fellows usually arrive in early September and remain until early December. While occasional travel is acceptable, Fellows are expected to spend the majority of their time on campus to work with students. The IOP prioritizes Fellow candidates who can meet this expectation.

• Attend Fellows Orientation and IOP Open House. All Resident Fellows attend the IOP's Resident Fellows Orientation to learn about the Harvard community, review logistical and programmatic details, and meet with IOP staff and student leaders. Fellows will participate in a public event in the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum followed by the IOP Open House, where undergraduates can meet the cohort of Fellows and be formally introduced to their backgrounds and study groups.
• Organize and lead weekly Study Groups. Study groups are the core of the Fellows and Study Groups program. Each Resident Fellow will lead a weekly, 75-minute discussion for eight weeks on a theme of their choice. These discussions are open to the Harvard community, closed to the media and not for attribution, and designed to engage students in discussions on a topic related to the mission of the IOP and the Fellow's prior experience. Fellows are welcome to incorporate up to four guests into their study group to enhance discussion. Note that guests can video conference into study groups without having to travel to Boston, which Fellows should keep in mind when formulating their guest lists.
• Oversee (and mentor) six undergraduate student liaisons. Each Resident Fellow will be assigned a team of six student liaisons for the semester. Liaison teams assist Fellows throughout the entire semester and are responsible for preparing for the weekly study group, recruiting students to attend study groups and other events, and increasing Fellows' exposure and involvement across campus. Fellows are expected to meet at least weekly with their liaison team and serve as mentors during their semester at Harvard. Fellows form deep relationships with their liaison team and enjoy weekly activities with them, ranging from meals in undergraduate Houses (dorms) to sporting events, theater productions, and other community events.
• Conduct weekly office hours. Fellows are required to hold four hours of office hours per week, in which students sign up to visit the Fellow's office and interact one-on-one. Ideally, office hours are split up over two days. Fellows are welcome to hold more than four hours of office hours if they wish.
• Attend the IOP Senior Advisory Committee Meeting. The Institute's Senior Advisory Committee meets once per semester, and Fellows are expected to be in attendance to share and reflect on their IOP Fellowship experience.
• Attend the Fellows' Farewell. Fellows are expected to join an end-of-semester farewell event, where student liaisons and leadership, staff, and fellow Fellows celebrate the end of a successful semester.
• Participate in IOP programming. The Institute hosts numerous events throughout the semester, from Forums to Pizza and Politics. Fellows typically headline at least one additional event per semester outside of their study group, whether as featured speakers, moderators, or other contributors. We also welcome Fellows' suggestions on speakers and can assist to bring those guests to campus for events outside of study groups.
• Immerse yourself in the Harvard community. The semester is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Harvard community, share your experiences with our students, and to access the myriad of intellectual opportunities on campus. Fellows join students for meals in the dining halls, visit a CIVICs classroom, participate in our voter registration efforts on campus, and audit courses if their time allows — the opportunities are endless and we strongly encourage Fellows to embrace their time on campus. Resident Fellows are sought after by other programs and student groups across campus, including requests from professors to be guest speakers in their classes and requests from student groups to speak at organization meetings. While accepting these requests is entirely at each Fellow's discretion, we hope Fellows become a resource for the entire community.
• Serve as an ambassador for the IOP. Ideally, Fellows will actively promote the Institute not just on campus, but in the rest of their activities. Fellows can serve as some of the most persuasive ambassadors in our efforts to lead the nation in engaging undergraduates in politics and public service.

Fellows are provided with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Cambridge (about a 10-minute walk from the IOP) for the duration of their Fellowship. The apartments are fully furnished and ready for move-in. Fellows are invited to bring their spouses/partners and children to Cambridge during their stay, and all are invited to attend IOP events at their leisure. Each apartment also contains an office space for the Fellow if they need to work from their residence.

Fellows are awarded a modest stipend for their engagement; for more information, please contact Kim Peeples or Zoe Anderson.

Fellows are considered Harvard employees during their appointment and are thus eligible to receive benefits through the University (with the exception of dental insurance).

Fellows are provided with a private office at the IOP, which includes a phone and computer. The Kennedy School also has a full media studio where many Fellows perform their television hits remotely during their Fellowship. In general, Fellows are welcome to pursue personal or professional projects during their Fellowship (such as writing a book, continuing some involvement in a career, etc.), but must be primarily committed to their role as a Fellow and prepared to devote a majority of their time each week working with students.

Yes, many Fellows audit courses across Harvard's many schools during their time on campus. Instructions for selecting and auditing courses will be shared with Fellows during their first week on campus.

• Leading an eight-week study group
  All Fellows must develop an eight-week "study group" that engages students in a current political issue area. Each study group session is 75 minutes long and is usually opened by the Fellow providing an overview/presentation of the session's theme. The remainder of the study group is reserved for discussion and Q&A with study group attendees. Roughly four study group sessions during the semester should feature guests, and Fellows are responsible for inviting guests appropriate for their subject area.
• Mentoring undergraduate students
  All Fellows are assigned a team of six undergraduate student "liaisons" for the semester, who help the Fellow organize and publicize their study group. Students volunteer as liaisons because they are passionate about the Fellow's experience or study group topic, and hope that their Fellow can serve as their mentor. Excellent Fellows prioritize time with their liaison team, inviting them to their residence for meals, organizing outings, and taking time to get to know each student personally and helping them toward their academic and professional goals.
• Holding office hours
  All Fellows are expected to conduct at least four hours of "office hours" each week, during which undergraduate and graduate students across the Harvard community sign up to have a short conversation with the Fellow about their experience, study group topic, career advice, etc.
• Connecting with the Harvard community
  Fellows have extensive opportunity to immerse themselves in the Harvard University community, from auditing classes to attending student group meetings. While each Fellow decides how involved they will be on campus, Fellows are expected to attend certain IOP-facilitated events to broaden the influence of their Fellowship. These events could include dinners at undergraduate residential "Houses" (dorms), events at the IOP's JFK Jr. Forum, and more.

• Time commitment
  Fellows are expected to be in residence in Cambridge, MA for the duration of the Fellowship, which is one academic semester (10 weeks). Spring Fellows generally arrive on campus during the first week of February and depart in late April; Fall Fellows usually arrive in early September and remain until early December. While occasional travel is completely acceptable, Fellows are expected to spend the majority of their time on campus to work with students. The IOP prioritizes Fellow candidates who can meet this expectation.
• Stipend and benefits
  Fellows are awarded a modest stipend; for more information, please contact Taylor Woods-Gauthier, Fellows and Study Groups Director. In addition, Fellows are considered Harvard employees during their appointment, and are thus eligible to receive benefits through the University (with the exception of dental insurance).
• Living arrangements
  Fellows are provided with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Cambridge (about a 10-minute walk from the IOP) for the duration of their Fellowship. The apartments are fully furnished and ready for move-in. Fellows are invited to bring their spouses/partners and children to Cambridge during their stay, and all are invited to attend IOP events at their leisure. Each apartment also contains an office space for the Fellow if they need to work from their residence.
• Professional considerations
  Fellows are provided with a private office at the IOP, which includes a phone and computer. The Kennedy School also has a full media studio where many Fellows perform their television hits remotely during their Fellowship. In general, Fellows are welcome to pursue personal or professional projects during their Fellowship (such as writing a book, continuing some involvement in a career, etc.), but must be primarily committed to their role as a Fellow and prepared to devote a majority of their time each week working with students.

• Interact with some of the brightest students in the world
  Undergraduates from Harvard College and graduate students from the Harvard Kennedy School enthusiastically participate in Fellows' events, from study groups to informal conversations and meetings in office hours. Students are passionate and optimistic about their future in politics and the future of the United States and the world, and many Fellows share that they are invigorated by their interactions with the leaders of tomorrow while at the Institute of Politics. As a Fellow, you will have the chance not only to impart your experience and wisdom upon these students, but perhaps learn something from them as well.
• Connect with Harvard faculty and administrators
  Fellows have access to a wide range of Harvard resources, including faculty at any of Harvard's campuses, administrators at a wide variety of campus offices, and other Fellows across the Kennedy School and University. Those seeking intellectual engagement with the vibrant academic community at one of the world's best universities will not be disappointed by the opportunities available for scholarship during their time at the Institute of Politics.
• Get to know other diverse political practitioners
  Those who walk the halls of the IOP and the Kennedy School each semester include some of the country's most prominent politicians, activists, and public servants. As a Fellow, you will not only become a member of this illustrious group, but also get the chance to interact with other incredible individuals who shape our country's and the world's politics. Previous Fellows have taken full advantage of the opportunity to get to know not only their fellow Fellows, but also guests who speak in the JFK Jr. Forum and other events at the IOP and beyond.
• Take time away from a busy career to reflect on your journey in politics and public service
  When departing from campus at the end of their Fellowship, many Fellows share that they deeply appreciated time spent stepping back from a hectic career and reflecting on their own political journeys and the issues of the day. Whether through writing a memoir or sharing past experiences in a study group, Fellows appreciate the opportunity to look at the political world from a more objective outsider's position and gain inspiration for further steps in their career after the IOP.