Harvard Kennedy School Launches Historic American Service Fellowship for Veterans and Public Servants

The Harvard Kennedy School has announced the launch of its largest single-year scholarship initiative in nearly 90 years — the American Service Fellowship. The program is designed to support U.S. military veterans and public servants by offering full tuition and stipends to pursue a one-year master’s degree in public leadership.

U.S. Air Force veteran and Harvard Kennedy School Chief of Staff Rob Berschinski shared that the fellowship will welcome 50 individuals from across the country who demonstrate a strong record of public service and a commitment to community leadership. Each recipient will receive approximately $100,000 in total benefits, covering tuition and living expenses.

“We’re the part of Harvard that trains public servants and government officials,” said Berschinski. “What we’re doing with the American Service Fellowship is bringing together 50 outstanding Americans who may differ in background and perspective but share a dedication to public service and excellence.”

Applicants must have at least seven years of demonstrated public service, whether through military service, teaching, law enforcement, firefighting, diplomacy, or other civic roles. Fellows will study alongside Harvard’s world-class faculty, focusing on developing the skills needed to address complex national and global challenges.

Berschinski emphasized that the program is designed for people who might never have imagined themselves at Harvard. “When I was in the Air Force, I met amazing Americans who might’ve thought Harvard wasn’t a place for them,” he said. “But we already have dozens of active-duty military and veterans here. This program is about making Harvard a home for people who want to serve and lead.”

Applications for the American Service Fellowship are open now, with a deadline of December 1. More information and application details can be found at ken.sc/service or by searching “American Service Fellowship” online.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.