Application

The Social Innovation Fellows Program supports selected students — SICI 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.

  Application open May 8, 2026.

Eligibility

The Social Innovation Fellows Program welcomes applications from students in degree-granting programs across Harvard, including those pursuing joint degrees or enrolled part-time. At this time, students from the Extension School are not eligible.

Applicants should be entering the final year of their degree program (Spring 2027 graduation), including those in one-year programs, with the following exceptions:

  • Applicants from Harvard College may graduate in Spring 2027 or 2028.
  • EdLD students may only apply as rising second-year students (Spring 2028 graduation).
  • DrPH students may apply as rising second-year students or rising third-year students (Spring 2027 or 2028 graduation).

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.

Timeline

April 24, 2026 | 9:00am ET: Virtual Application Information Session.

View the recording here.

May 8, 2026 | 9:00am ET: Application opens.

May 14, 2026 | 3:00pm ET: Virtual Application Information Session.

June 8, 2026 | 9:00am ET: Application deadline.

June 10 – June 29, 2026: Initial application review. 

  • Review Process: SICI engages a community of close collaborators, including Harvard partners and field experts, to review applications. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application throughout the summer. Due to the volume of applicants, we do not respond to individual emails regarding application status.
  • Supplemental Material: We may request supplemental information from candidates that advance in the application process. 

July 2, 2026: Finalists notified. Selected candidates will receive an interview request via email and must respond before the stated deadline to secure an interview slot. 

July 8, 2026 | 9am ET: Deadline for finalists to respond to interview invitations. 

August 4 – August 6, 2026: Finalist interviews. 

August 11, 2026: Decision notifications.

September 1, 2026: First Session of the 26-27 Social Innovation Fellows Program

Applicant Resources

Information Sessions

The SICI team hosted information sessions for interested applicants on April 24 and May 14. Join us to learn more about the program experience, selection process, and tips for preparing a strong application. 

Visit the SICI events page to register for an information session.

Evaluation Rubric

We encourage applicants to carefully review the 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 evaluation rubric here.

Program Structure

Each year, the Social Innovation and Change Initiative invites up to 15 exceptional students to join the Social Innovation Fellows Program. Selected students attend weekly co-curricular sessions for the duration of the program (AY 2026-27) 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.

Questions?

Contact Devin Samuels, Sr. Program Manager, at dsamuels@hks.harvard.edu. Office hours are available upon request and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Email to sign-up!