The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy is accepting applications for its 2027-2028 Social Impact Fellowship. The programme is designed for recent university graduates and early-career professionals interested in using research, data and analytical skills to address important social and public policy challenges.
The fellowship combines academic training with practical professional experience, allowing participants to work with research centres and policy organisations on real-world issues affecting society.
Overview of the Harris Social Impact Fellowship
The programme is a full-time, in-person fellowship that combines eight weeks of academic coursework with nine months of practical experience. During the academic component, fellows receive training in research methods, data analytics, economic analysis and analytical politics.
They subsequently work with leading research centres and policy institutions on issues such as educational equity, public safety, health equity, climate change and government efficiency.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | United States |
| Host institution | University of Chicago |
| Programme type | Social Impact Fellowship |
| Duration | 11 months |
| Programme period | July 2027 – June 2028 |
| Cohort size | 15 fellows |
| Application deadline | November 29, 2026 |
Harris Social Impact Fellowship Benefits
- Eight weeks of intensive academic training.
- Nine months of practical professional experience.
- Training in research methods and data analytics.
- Opportunities to work with leading policy research centres.
- Professional development workshops.
- Mentorship from experienced policy professionals.
- Career coaching and leadership development.
- Opportunities to build international professional networks.
- Participation in a capstone project addressing a real-world policy challenge.
- Access to the fellowship’s alumni network.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be recent university graduates or early-career professionals.
- They must hold a bachelor’s degree before the fellowship begins.
- Applicants should demonstrate strong technical, quantitative, or analytical abilities.
- Relevant experience may come from academic coursework, research, or professional employment.
- Applicants must be authorised to work in the United States.
- They must be able to participate in the full-time, in-person programme.
Harris Social Impact Fellowship Application
Interested applicants should visit the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy’s official fellowship webpage and review the admissions requirements. They must prepare a motivation statement explaining their interest in social impact work, a technical experience statement describing their analytical abilities, an updated résumé, academic transcripts, and one letter of recommendation. Applicants should then complete the online application form and upload the required materials before the deadline. They should also prepare for the technical assessment and interviews that form part of the selection process.
Harris Social Impact Fellowship Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027-2028 fellowship close on November 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. For more information on the programme, you can visit their official website through the link below;
Official Website: Harris Social Impact Fellowship
FAQs
1. How long is the fellowship?
The programme lasts 11 months.
2. Can international applicants apply?
Applicants must meet the United States work-authorisation requirement.
3. Does the fellowship include academic training?
Yes. It includes eight weeks of academic coursework.
4. Is the programme conducted online?
No. It is a full-time, in-person programme at the University of Chicago.
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