The Harris Social Impact Fellowship is a full-time, in-person 11-month leadership and professional development program designed by faculty at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.

The program is specifically tailored for individuals who possess strong STEM, quantitative, analytical, or technical backgrounds and aspire to apply these skills to public policy and social impact initiatives.

The fellowship begins with eight weeks of intensive academic instruction, where fellows receive graduate-level training in:

Policy analysis

Data analytics

Quantitative reasoning

Critical thinking

Applied research methods

Evidence-based decision making

Following the academic component, fellows spend nine months embedded within leading research centers, policy institutes, or government-focused organizations, where they contribute to solving real policy problems affecting communities and governments.

Throughout the placement, fellows tackle major policy issues such as:

Educational equity

Climate change and environmental sustainability

Crime prevention and public safety

Government efficiency

Social mobility

Economic opportunity

Public sector innovation

The fellowship concludes with a capstone project, allowing participants to develop evidence-based recommendations that address real-world public policy challenges.

In addition to technical training, fellows receive personalized career coaching, leadership development, mentorship, and ongoing support from distinguished faculty, policy practitioners, and an influential alumni network.

View details at: Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago - Harris Social Impact Fellowship

Successful applicants receive generous financial and professional support throughout the fellowship.

Benefits include:

• Living stipend of up to $75,000 to cover living expenses and healthcare during the fellowship.
• Additional $21,000 academic stipend covering the fellowship's academic credential component.
• Eight weeks of faculty-led graduate-level coursework.
• Hands-on placement with prestigious research centers and policy institutes.
• Practical experience working on high-impact public policy challenges.
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers and policy professionals.
• Leadership development and career coaching.
• Professional networking opportunities with leading public policy experts.
• Access to the University of Chicago Harris School's distinguished faculty.
• Invitations to annual retreats and professional development events.
• Membership in an influential alumni network supporting long-term career growth.
• Enhanced career opportunities across government, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, consulting firms, and the private sector.

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements before applying:

• Be a recent college graduate or an early-career professional.
• Hold a bachelor's degree before the fellowship begins.
• Demonstrate strong technical, quantitative, analytical, or STEM skills through academic coursework, research projects, or professional experience.
• Show a genuine interest in evidence-based policymaking and social impact.
• Be available to participate in the fellowship full-time.
• Be willing to relocate and reside in person in Chicago throughout the entire fellowship period.
• Applicants should note that the University of Chicago does not sponsor visas for this fellowship.
• Candidates holding existing U.S. visas are responsible for ensuring that participation complies with their visa conditions.
• The fellowship is not eligible for the STEM OPT extension.

Application Process

Interested applicants should follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official fellowship application portal.
2. Create a personal application account.
3. Select "2027 Non-Degree Programs" from the available application options.
4. Choose the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027.
5. Carefully complete the online application form.
6. Upload all required supporting documents.
7. Submit the application before the deadline.
8. Shortlisted candidates will complete a technical assessment.
9. Successful candidates from the assessment will be invited for a virtual interview.
10. Finalists will participate in an on-campus interview day at the University of Chicago.
11. Selected fellows will receive admission offers and further enrollment instructions.