Location: United States
Program Type: Leadership Conference
Organization: Harvard Kennedy School
Conference Period: October 29 – November 1, 2026
Coverage: Fully Funded
Deadline: July 10, 2026
Harvard Kennedy School is accepting applications for the Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026. The fully funded conference introduces undergraduate students to graduate education in public policy while creating opportunities for networking, leadership development, and policy discussions with peers and Harvard faculty members.
The conference is designed for students who are interested in public service and public policy careers. Throughout the program, participants will engage with educational leaders, explore public policy pathways, and gain insight into scholarship and fellowship opportunities connected to graduate study.
About the Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026
The Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) supports undergraduate students who want to pursue further study in public policy. The conference also helps participants better understand graduate school opportunities and career paths in public service.
Former participants have gone on to work or study in areas connected to:
• Government institutions
• Nongovernmental organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Intergovernmental organizations
• International institutions
• Social enterprises
What Participants Will Experience
During the Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026, participants will:
✓ Learn about public policy graduate education
✓ Engage with current Harvard Kennedy School students and faculty
✓ Join discussions on important policy issues
✓ Experience life as an HKS student during the conference
✓ Access information about scholarships and fellowships
✓ Explore careers in public policy and public service
Fully Funded Coverage
All conference-related costs are funded by Harvard Kennedy School. The coverage includes:
✓ Flights
✓ Accommodation
✓ Meals
✓ Transportation in Boston
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026, applicants must:
• Be enrolled in a two- or four-year undergraduate institution in the United States during the conference
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen U.S. national
• Have completed at least two academic semesters at a U.S. institution
• Not graduate during the 2026–2027 academic year
• Be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant for the 2026–27 academic year
• Hold a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Show commitment to public service through civic engagement, activism, leadership, or volunteer work
Application Materials
Applicants are required to provide:
• Online application form
• Résumé
• Personal statement essay
• Recommendation letter
• Undergraduate transcript
Important Deadline
Applications for the Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026 are open from May 15, 2026 until July 10, 2026 at 5pm ET.
Apply Here
➤ https://www.hks.harvard.edu/educational-programs/undergraduate-opportunities/public-policy-leadership-conference#when-can-i-submit-an-application-
