Harvard’s Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026: A Fully Funded Path for Undergraduates Into Public Policy

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) has opened applications for its 2026 Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC), a fully funded program built to introduce talented undergraduate students to the world of public policy and graduate education. The conference will take place from October 29 to November 1, 2026, on Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Applications opened on May 15, 2026, and will close on July 10, 2026, at 5 PM ET.

What Is the Public Policy Leadership Conference

PPLC is designed for undergraduate students who are ambitious about public service but may not have a clear path or the resources to explore graduate education in public policy. Over the course of the conference, participants get to experience what it feels like to be a student at Harvard Kennedy School for a weekend, while connecting directly with current HKS students, faculty, and staff.

Many past PPLC alumni have gone on to pursue graduate studies in public policy and later built careers as leaders in federal, state, or local government, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, intergovernmental bodies, international institutions, and social enterprises.

Beyond the networking and campus experience, attendees also receive detailed information on fellowship and scholarship opportunities that can help fund a future HKS graduate degree, along with broader guidance on public policy career paths.

Is This a Funded Opportunity

Yes. All costs tied to attending PPLC are covered by Harvard Kennedy School. This includes flights, local transportation in Boston, accommodation, and meals for the entire duration of the conference. There is no cost to the student for participating.

Who Can Apply

PPLC is aimed specifically at students who are currently enrolled in a two- or four-year U.S. undergraduate institution. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a two- or four-year U.S. undergraduate institution at the time of the conference
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen U.S. national
• Have completed at least 2 academic semesters at their institution by the time of the conference
• Not be scheduled to graduate with a bachelor’s degree during the 2026-2027 academic year
• Be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for the 2026-27 academic year, which can be confirmed through a FAFSA Submission Summary or the institution’s financial aid office
• Hold a GPA of 3.0 or above
• Show a real commitment to public service, whether through activism, student leadership, civic participation, or volunteering

This last point matters as much as the academic requirements. HKS wants to see this commitment reflected clearly in both the resume and the personal statement essay.

What the Application Requires

Applicants need to prepare and submit the following through the official online application form:

• A completed application form
• A resume
• A personal statement essay
• A letter of recommendation, ideally requested early to give the recommender enough time
• An undergraduate academic transcript, which can be unofficial

Given the number of moving parts, students interested in applying should start gathering these materials well before the July 10 deadline.

Information Sessions Before You Apply

For students who want more clarity on eligibility, the application process, or what the conference actually looks like, HKS is hosting a series of information sessions ahead of the deadline. These sessions are a good opportunity to ask direct questions before submitting an application.

Why PPLC Is Worth Considering

For undergraduate students who are serious about public service but unsure how to break into policy-focused graduate education, PPLC offers a rare, no-cost entry point. It combines direct exposure to one of the most well known public policy schools in the world with practical guidance on funding graduate education later on. For students who meet the Pell Grant and GPA requirements, this is one of the more accessible ways to explore whether a future in public policy is the right direction.