Leadership and Service

Is the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for public service leadership. A federally funded scholarship granted to U.S. undergraduate students for demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to public service, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship is the most highly competitive American fellowship to support graduate education and leadership development. It is administered by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, an independent federal agency based in Washington, D.C. 

Eligibility:  bachelor's degree with junior-level academic standing; or, senior-level standing in my third year of college enrollment; U.S. citizen (or a U.S. national) or expect to receive US citizenship by the date the Scholarship will be awarded

Harvard Kennedy School will host the next PPLC to inspire talented and driven first- and second-year undergraduate students like you to pursue careers in public policy and become future leaders. The annual Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) inspires undergraduate students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities to pursue careers in public service. Every February, PPLC participants become part of the vibrant HKS community. 

Eligibility: Be a first- or second-year undergraduate student enrolled at a two- or four-year U.S. institution; Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient; Have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or above; Demonstrate an abiding commitment to public service through activism, student leadership, civic participation at school or in your community, or volunteering. 

The Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) is a not-for-profit that has been supporting efforts to increase diversity in public service for over 30 years. PPIA believes that our society is best served by public managers, policy makers, and community leaders who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives. To achieve this goal, PPIA has an outreach focus on students from groups who are underrepresented in leadership positions in government, nonprofits, international organizations and other institutional settings.

Eligibility: United States citizen or legal permanent resident you are eligible to apply to all JSI programs. In addition, international students will be eligible for select JSI programs. Students with DACA are welcome to apply; Must not have attained a Bachelor’s Degree prior to start of Junior Summer Institute; must be interested in contributing to the diversity of perspectives present in the PPIA Junior Summer Institute Program.

Founded more than 70 years ago, the Coro Fellows program has a rich history. Our methodology has been honed over time and proven through a long line of prestigious alumni. The Coro Fellows Program develops emerging leaders to work and lead across different sectors by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and networks to accelerate positive change. Through a rotation of placements, Fellows work with multiple sectors, from governments to nonprofits to businesses.

Eligibility: Coro Fellows are diverse, talented individuals committed to positive change in their communities throughout their lives and careers; Fellows must be emerging innovators in business, policy, and government who demonstrate exceptional leadership through their accomplishments, curiosity, and civic involvement; Applicants may include individuals who have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees, as well as those with several years of work experience.

The Urban Fellows Program is sponsored by The City of New York and administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). The Urban Fellows Program is a highly selective, nine-month fellowship which combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with volunteer service opportunities and a seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy. The program is designed to introduce a diverse group of America's finest college students and graduates to local government and public service. 

Eligibility: Receive(d) their bachelor's degree between Spring 2018 and Spring 2020; Eligibility is not based on when you achieved your Master's Degree; Those granted degrees in December 2017 and Summer 2020 are not eligible; Can commit full-time to the nine-month Fellowship; Agree to suspend any graduate study or outside work for the duration of the Fellowship; Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the United States after graduation and for the entire fellowship period. Applicants must meet the criteria set forth by the I-9, “Employment Eligibility Verification,” from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need.  Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity. 

Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen; Seek admission to a two-year, full-time, on-campus, master’s degree program at a U.S.-based graduate institution to begin in the fall of 2021 in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service (public policy, international affairs, public administration, business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages); Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale