Application

The New World Social Innovation Fellows Program supports selected students — Cheng Fellows — in taking action to advance progress against a pressing social problem through social innovation. We have found that successful applicants do not always think of themselves as “social innovators.” We encourage applications from civil servants, intrapreneurs within large organizations, social entrepreneurs, activists, and changemakers with dedicated passion and clear drive to solve a defined social problem.

Our 2025-26 New World Social Innovation Fellows Program application will open on May 2, 2025.

Eligibility

The New World Social Innovation Fellows Program currently accepts applications from students in the following schools:

  • Harvard Business School: Applicants from HBS must graduate in Spring 2026.
  • Harvard College: Applicants from Harvard College must graduate in Spring 2026 or 2027.
  • Harvard Divinity School: Applicants from HDS must graduate in Spring 2026.
  • Harvard Graduate School of Design: Applicants from HGSD must graduate in Spring 2026.
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education: Applicants from HGSE must graduate in Spring 2026. EdLD students may only apply as rising second-year students (Spring 2027 graduation).
  • Harvard Kennedy School: Applicants from HKS must graduate in Spring 2026, including the one-year MC/MPA program.
  • Harvard Law School: Applicants from HLS must graduate in Spring 2026.
  • Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: Applicants from SEAS must graduate in Spring 2026.
  • Harvard School of Public Health: Applicants from HSPH must graduate in Spring 2026. DrPH students may apply as rising second-year students or rising third-year students (Spring 2026 or 2027 graduation).

Joint degree and part-time students must be currently enrolled in one of the above programs and graduate in Spring 2026 to apply.

Pairs are eligible to apply; however, all applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. Each person must submit an application and will be assessed on an individual basis.

SICI funding per organization is not to exceed $30K per year.

Applicant Resources

Information Sessions

The SICI team will be hosting information sessions for interested applicants on April 24, May 8, and May 20. Join us to learn more about the program experience, selection process, and tips for preparing a strong application:

Visit the SICI events page for additional ways to learn more about the program.

Evaluation Rubric

We encourage applicants to carefully review the New World Social Innovation Fellows Program evaluation rubric in advance of applying.  There are no “hidden criteria” – we assess applicants based on exactly what is described in the rubric. Please know that you do not need to have “3’s” in all categories to become a Fellow – in fact, no applicant has ever received these marks. We expect growth and development throughout the year. 

Access the Cheng Evaluation Rubric here.

Program Structure

Each year, the Social Innovation and Change Initiative invites up to 15 exceptional students to join the New World Social Innovation Fellows Program. Selected students attend weekly co-curricular sessions for the duration of the program (AY 2025-26) at the Harvard Kennedy School. Sessions will be held in-person or hybrid according to the needs of the cohort.

Through a rigorous program experience, Fellows refine their understanding of a specific social problem, reflect on their personal identities and sources of power, and take action in finding their unique pathway forward, making concrete plans to continue their work post-graduation. Students are expected to remain in good academic standing for the duration of their participation in the program. Domestic and international students are encouraged to apply.