Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027 is an 11-month, full-time program that combines academic training with practical work to address social and public policy challenges. Harris Fellowship provides technical and analytical training alongside mentorship and applied research for recent graduates and early-career professionals.
The program is run by the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and takes place at the Hyde Park campus. The fellowship begins in July 2027, includes eight weeks of coursework followed by applied learning placements and a capstone project.
Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027 Benefits
- $75,000 for living and healthcare expenses.
- $21,000 to cover the academic credential.
- $96,000 total support across the fellowship package.
- Eight weeks of intensive academic training.
- Nine months of practical research experience.
- Professional development workshops.
- Mentorship from policy leaders and faculty.
- Networking with researchers, alumni and civic leaders.
- Experience working on real social-impact projects.
- A capstone project that demonstrates practical skills.
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Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027 Eligibility Criteria
- Have a Bachelor’s degree before the fellowship starts.
- Be a recent college graduate or early-career professional.
- Have strong technical, quantitative, or analytical skills.
- Demonstrate these skills through coursework, research, or work experience.
- Have an interest in evidence-based social impact and public policy.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Understand that the University of Chicago does not sponsor visas for this program.
- Note that the fellowship does not qualify for the STEM OPT extension.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare:
- Technical Experience Statement
- Resume
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Academic Transcripts
Program Structure
The fellowship follows a clear learning path:
- Academic Coursework
During the first eight weeks, fellows study research methods, data analytics, economic analysis and analytical politics. As a result, they build a strong foundation for evidence-based policy work.
- Applied Learning
Next, fellows spend nine months working on real-world challenges. These may include educational equity, climate action, public safety, health equity and government efficiency.
- Capstone Project
Finally, fellows complete a data-driven capstone project. The project allows them to apply their research and analytical skills to a real social or public-sector problem.
How to Apply for Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027
- Visit the official Harris Social Impact Fellowship website.
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare your resume and academic transcripts.
- Write your motivation statement.
- Prepare your technical experience statement.
- Choose a suitable recommender.
- Complete the online fellowship application.
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Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 19 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Harris Social Impact Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, program structure, and how to apply based on the official program details.
What is the Harris Social Impact Fellowship?
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027 is an 11-month, full-time program created by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. It combines eight weeks of academic coursework with nine months of applied learning at research centers or policy institutes, culminating in a data-driven capstone project focused on real social or public-sector problems.
How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Selected fellows receive a $75,000 stipend for living and healthcare expenses plus $21,000 to cover the fellowship’s academic credential, totaling $96,000 in support over the fellowship period.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree before the fellowship starts and be recent college graduates or early-career professionals with strong technical, quantitative, or analytical skills demonstrated through coursework, research, or work experience, and an interest in evidence-based social impact and public policy.
Does the program sponsor visas or qualify for STEM OPT?
The University of Chicago does not sponsor visas for this program, and the fellowship does not qualify for the STEM OPT extension. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States prior to the fellowship.
When does the program start and run?
The program starts in July 2027 and runs through June 2028 at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus. It begins with eight weeks of academic coursework followed by approximately nine months of applied learning and a capstone project.
What kinds of training and experience does the fellowship provide?
Fellows receive training in research methods, data analytics, economic analysis, and analytical politics, followed by applied research placements addressing topics such as educational equity, climate action, public safety, health equity, and government efficiency, plus professional development and mentorship.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants need to prepare a Technical Experience Statement, resume, one letter of recommendation, and academic transcripts as part of the application materials required by the fellowship.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the University of Chicago Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027-28 application is October 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Time, as stated in the program details.
How is the fellowship structured over the 11 months?
The fellowship structure includes an initial eight weeks of intensive academic coursework to build methodological foundations, followed by nine months of applied placements with research centers or policy institutes, and concludes with a capstone project applying research and analytical skills to a real-world policy challenge.
How do I apply and where can I find more information?
To apply, visit the official Harris Social Impact Fellowship website, review eligibility, prepare your resume and transcripts, write motivation and technical experience statements, select a recommender, and complete the online application. The program page contains full application instructions.
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