#  Public Service 

 



##  Public Service 

 Planning Your Summer 

 

 

       ![Students at Harvard's Day of Service](/sites/g/files/omnuum12266/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-11/SFO_WEBSITE_HERO_Public_Service.jpeg?h=08930067&itok=1-qwv4r6) 

 

 



 

 



 

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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](/opportunities "Harvard Opportunities").



 

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###    What can I expect to learn?  expand\_more  

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.

 

 



###    How likely am I to obtain such an assignment?  expand\_more  

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.

 

 



###    What are the costs and expenses?  expand\_more  

Funding is available to offset costs and provide living expenses for many public service experiences. The [Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship (CPSES)](https://publicservice.fas.harvard.edu/summer-opportunities), the [Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI)](https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/engage-with-us/student-engagement/), the [Institute of Politics (IOP)](https://iop.harvard.edu/internships-and-careers), the [Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS)](https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/), the [Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA)](https://www.pbha.org/), and the [Summer Funding Opportunities Office (SFO)](https://prod-summerfunding.drupalsites.harvard.edu/opportunities?f%5B0%5D=internships%3A66&f%5B1%5D=internships%3A71), and many other centers, provide funding for summer. There are also term-time programs at [Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA)](https://www.pbha.org/) and the [Institute of Politics (IOP)](https://iop.harvard.edu/internships-and-careers/term-time-stipends) 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.

 

 [ Internships and Fellowships arrow\_circle\_right ](https://publicservice.fas.harvard.edu/funding-summer-fellowships) [ Group Funding arrow\_circle\_right ](https://publicservice.fas.harvard.edu/group-funding) [ Individual Funding arrow\_circle\_right ](https://publicservice.fas.harvard.edu/individual-funding) 

 



 

 

 

 

 



###    How do I know if this is right for me?  expand\_more  

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.