Graduate students from across Harvard are competitively selected for an opportunity to spend the summer embedded in local government. They meaningfully contribute to improving government services and present their deliverables and recommendations to mayors, senior leaders, and other key stakeholders in the domestic and international cities.
The multidisciplinary cohort of fellows learns how to apply the tools of data-driven decision-making, human-centered design techniques, and cross-sector collaboration to help city leaders drive government performance and address pressing social problems.
Applications for summer 2025 have closed. Applications will open in spring semester 2026.
This fellowship debunked misconceptions I had about local government in terms of professional development opportunities and made me seriously consider working in local government upon graduation.
Kiron Chandy GSD MUP 2025
2024 Summer Fellow
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the complexities of urban policy and the power of local government to effect change. This summer reinforced my commitment to public service and my belief in the transformative power of well-crafted, empathetic policy.
Josh Young HKS MPP 2025
2024 Summer Fellow
I had always heard how…local governments were close to the people so you could see the impact…I really saw this wisdom come true this summer. The fellowship made city government come to life for me in a way that I would have never been able to experience otherwise and made me seriously consider working in local government in the future.
Jordan Weatherl HGSE Ed.M. 2025
2024 Summer Fellow
The Bloomberg Harvard Summer Fellowship aims to inspire careers in local government through paid, 10-week summer experiences. Summer Fellows provide cities with critical, short-term capacity by deploying a variety of skill sets to make progress on priority challenges.
Where do Summer Fellows work?
Summer Fellows work in select cities from the current Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative cohort. Cities are determined and shared with candidates in the application along with their corresponding project scopes. One fellow is selected for each of the Summer Fellowship cities.
What kind of projects do Summer Fellows work on?
Summer Fellows work on projects in a variety of focus areas (some examples are listed below).
Current Harvard graduate students (including soon-to-be graduates) are eligible for the Bloomberg Harvard Summer Fellowship program. Students from across all Harvard graduate and professional schools are encouraged to apply.
International students are eligible to apply but may need to check with the Harvard International Office to discuss specific visa requirements.
What does the application process include?
The Summer Fellowship application prompts candidates to rank their top three cities/projects. Furthermore, the application will require applicants to explain their interest in the selections made, demonstrate their overall critical and analytical thinking skills, and present their experiences applicable to the project or project area. Finalists will be invited to interview with select cities.
When does the fellowship take place?
While specific start and end dates are determined by each fellow in conversation with their city supervisor, the summer fellowship takes place over a 10-week period between late May and mid-August.
What support do Summer Fellows receive?
Summer Fellows receive support from several individuals throughout their experience. Each fellow is assigned a faculty advisor, staff champion, and cohort buddy. These individuals provide different levels of support for fellows to successfully complete their work. Additionally, the Bloomberg Harvard Summer Fellowship program provides a cohort model that encourages community building.
