The Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027-2028 is a fully funded, full-time fellowship at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy for recent graduates and early-career professionals with strong technical, quantitative, or analytical skills. The 11-month programme combines intensive academic training with practical experience at research centres and policy institutes working on real-world social and policy challenges.
The fellowship will run from July 2027 to June 2028 and will be based at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, and only 15 fellows will be selected for the 2027-2028 cohort.
About the Harris Social Impact Fellowship
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship is designed for people who want to use technical and analytical skills to address important social challenges. The programme begins with eight weeks of intensive coursework at the University of Chicago. Fellows receive training in areas such as research methods, data analytics, economic analysis, and analytical politics.
After the academic component, fellows spend approximately nine months in an immersive learning placement with research centres or policy institutes. Their work may focus on areas such as education, public safety, health equity, climate action and government efficiency.
Fellows also complete a capstone project addressing a real-world policy or social-impact challenge.
Harris Social Impact Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive substantial financial support during the fellowship.
- $75,000 stipend to support living and healthcare expenses.
- $21,000 academic funding to fully cover the fellowship’s academic credential.
- Eight weeks of intensive academic coursework at the University of Chicago.
- Nine months of practical learning with research centres and policy institutes.
- Professional development and leadership training.
- Mentorship and career coaching.
- Networking opportunities with faculty, alumni, policy leaders and civic professionals.
- A capstone project involving a real-world social impact challenge.
- Access to a long-term alumni community and fellowship network.
The University of Chicago describes the fellowship as an 11-month, full-time programme with a cohort of 15 fellows.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027-2028 should meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrate strong technical, quantitative, or analytical abilities through coursework, research, or professional experience.
- Be a recent college graduate or early-career professional.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree before the fellowship begins in July 2027.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Have an academic or professional background that demonstrates serious analytical or technical experience.
Applicants do not necessarily need to have mastered every technical skill required for their eventual placement. The fellowship’s academic component is designed to develop core skills in data analysis, research methods, and evidence-based problem-solving.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit:
- Motivation Statement
- Technical Experience Statement
- Resume
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Academic Transcripts
However, the technical experience statement should highlight relevant technical, analytical, or research experiences. Examples can include quantitative coursework, research design, laboratory work, data analysis, coding, software development, or other work involving structured analytical thinking.
How to Apply for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027–2028
Kindly follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Harris Social Impact Fellowship webpage.
- Review the eligibility requirements and application instructions.
- Create an account through the University of Chicago application portal.
- Select the 2027 Harris Social Impact Fellowship application.
- Prepare your motivation statement and technical experience statement.
- Upload your resume and academic transcripts.
- Provide the details of one recommender.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applications are submitted through the University of Chicago’s online application system.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027-2028 is October 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Time. Also, the selection process is expected to proceed as follows:
- Application deadline: October 19, 2026
- Take-home technical assessment: Mid-to-late November 2026
- Virtual interviews: Early-to-mid December 2026
- Lab matching interviews and on-campus interview day: Mid-to-late January 2027
- Fellowship: July 2027-June 2028
Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027–2028 – Official Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Harris Social Impact Fellowship fully funded?
The 2027-2028 fellowship provides a $75,000 stipend for living and healthcare expenses, along with $21,000 in funding to cover the fellowship’s academic credential.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts 11 months, from July 2027 through June 2028.
Where is the fellowship held?
The programme is based at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus in Chicago, Illinois, and is full-time and primarily in person. The specific location of the later host-site placement may vary depending on the assigned site.
How many fellows will be selected?
The 2027-2028 cohort is expected to have 15 fellows.
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