Public Service
Public Service
Harvard students can engage in meaningful community service throughout their college experience. There are many centers across Harvard that support public service internships and volunteer opportunities.
Public service programs provide Harvard College students with the knowledge and tools needed to improve social well-being. Through coursework, volunteerism, community activism, and pre-professional experiences, there are multiple pathways for students to engage in public service. Harvard College programs work closely with a wide range of partners to ensure that our programs address critical community needs. By participating in public service programs, Harvard students can make important contributions to social welfare and develop a strong sense of public purpose and commitment to civic good, while also building skills that will be relevant for future employment in any sector. Public service is also a wonderful way to make friends on campus and in the community.
Even though most programs that run over the summer have many spots and offer some compensation (housing, dining, monetary, or a combination), organizers are looking for students who are invested in community-based work and passionate about the program they are applying for. If this resonates with you, then connecting with the program and your passion will be critical in securing a spot.
Funding is available to offset costs and provide living expenses for many public service experiences. The Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship (CPSES), the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI), the Institute of Politics (IOP), the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS), the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA), and the Summer Funding Opportunities Office (SFO), and many other centers, provide funding for summer. There are also term-time programs at Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) and the Institute of Politics (IOP) that provide students with mentoring and financial support to fully explore public service opportunities. Some centers even offer post-graduate funding. Stipend amounts and eligibility vary. The Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship provides the following resources on funding.
If you are passionate about community building, an advocate for social justice, or committed to active citizenship, a public service opportunity is right for you. Because of the multitude of programs available, you can participate in service around the Harvard campus, in your local community, or elsewhere. A summer public service role will allow you to engage in meaningful community service, build your personal connections, and gain valuable experience as a volunteer or staff member.