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George Leadership Fellowship

Made possible through a generous gift from the George Family Foundation, the George Leadership Fellowships support selected students in the joint program offered through Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) with a $10,000 stipend. The fellowships reflect the foundation’s commitment to enhancing public service by investing in character formation and leadership development.

The George Leadership Fellowship is awarded based on the recipient’s potential to lead change for the common good. George Leadership Fellows have a strong moral compass and the capacity to work across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Special emphasis is placed on authentic leadership, character development, and ethical leadership. Applicants are asked to provide an example of a crucible moment in their lives that helped shape who they are as an authentic leader and how this experience shaped how they lead and empower others.

The Center for Public Leadership acknowledges the generosity of the George Family Foundation for its support of the George Leadership Fellowship

Jerren Chang

“The George Fellowship created a much-needed space for me to reflect on my approach to driving positive change while learning from an inspiring community of peer leaders across the public, private, and social sectors."

— Jerren Chang, MPP/MBA 2021 

Application Information

How to apply: Completed applications and letters of recommendation should be sent via email to cpl_fellowships@hks.harvard.edu by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, May 1, 2022.

Interviews: Finalists for the George Fellowship will be interviewed by the George Fellowship selection committee in early May 2022.

Note: Before submitting your application, we expect that you have thoroughly reviewed all pertinent information related to the Emirates Leadership Initiative Fellowship, including but not limited to: program requirements, eligibility information, and the background and purpose of the fellowship, including the history and background of the donor. Being a CPL fellow carries with it certain responsibilities including maintenance of good academic standing as required by your degree program; attendance at all fellowship programming for the entire duration of the fellowship; leading program sessions and service activities including a field experience trip; and responsible conduct in representing CPL and Harvard University. Please visit our Fellowship FAQs page for more information.

Commitment to Nondiscrimination: As a matter of commitment, policy, and law, Harvard Kennedy School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, color, race, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, intellectual focus, disability, or veteran status. The School strongly believes diversity enhances the value of all its activities, from research and teaching to degree programs and public events. The School encourages applications from candidates who are interested in careers in public service and acknowledges a special responsibility to train effective leaders in public policy and management.

Program Information

WHAT WE OFFER

The fellowship provides:

  • Partial financial aid for third year joint HKS/HBS students at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School

  • A one year co-curricular/leadership development program with sessions that are fellows-led

  • Most importantly, a network of exceptional peers and mentors who will enhance your ability to impact the communities you serve

THE AWARD
Recipients of the George Leadership fellowship will receive $10,000 financial during their third year as a jointee at HKS/HBS, attendance to all CPL faculty workshops, annual retreat and Outward Bound experience.

ELIGIBILITY
The fellowship is open to all incoming third year joint degree students at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. Domestic and international students are encouraged to apply.

The fellowships are merit-based and administered by the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. The George Leadership Fellowship is awarded based on the recipient’s potential to lead change for the common good. George Leadership Fellows have a strong moral compass and the capacity to work across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Special emphasis is placed on authentic leadership, character development, and ethical leadership. Applicants are asked to provide an example of a crucible moment in their lives that helped shape who they are as an authentic leader and how this experience shaped how they lead and empower others.

THE FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE
The George Fellows are expected to participate fully in the co-curricular program including a welcome dinner for new fellows, Thompson Island Outward Bound Program, CPL All-Fellows Retreat, monthly fellows-led co-curricular sessions during the academic year and three dinners with Bill George (dinners are generally held in September, February, and April). Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops and activities as part of the CPL community, with the exact schedule to be determined.

The fellows will create a vibrant network of students and alumni committed to advancing knowledge, collaborating on solutions to pressing problems, and building leadership capacity in their communities, their nation, and the world.