A Prestigious Opportunity for U.S. Public Servants
The American Service Fellowship offers a transformative, fully funded opportunity for public servants to pursue the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). With full tuition, fees, and a partial living stipend covered, the fellowship is designed for leaders who have already served their communities and are now ready to take their next big step in public leadership.
What the Fellowship Offers
- Full tuition and fees for the one-year MC/MPA program
- Partial living stipend to help support fellows during their year at Harvard
- At least 50 fellowship recipients selected annually
- Waived application fee for fellowship applicants
This fellowship goes beyond financial support. It provides unparalleled access to Harvard’s world-class faculty, dynamic peer networks, and global public service community.
Who Should Apply
The American Service Fellowship is open to individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to public service in the United States. Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members
- Federal, state, tribal, and local public employees, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and civil servants
- Alumni of national service programs, such as the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
Ideal candidates will have:
- A minimum of 7+ years of public service experience in the U.S., regardless of citizenship
- Demonstrated leadership and a track record of achievement
- A strong desire to deepen their skills and bring transformative knowledge back to their communities
- Readiness to engage in full-time study for one academic year
About the Mid-Career MPA Program
The MC/MPA program is specifically designed for experienced professionals. It offers:
- A customizable curriculum, allowing fellows to design their own course of study with guidance from advisors
- A mid-career peer cohort with diverse backgrounds in public service
- Access to Harvard-wide resources, including cross-school courses and research centers
- Career support and leadership development programs tailored to public service professionals
This intensive one-year program equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to tackle complex public challenges and lead with integrity and impact.
Why the American Service Fellowship Matters
This fellowship honors the often-unseen contributions of public servants—from combat zones to classrooms, from local government offices to national programs. The goal is to bring together a cohort that reflects the geographic, professional, and cultural diversity of the United States, creating a shared space for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
More than just a scholarship, the fellowship is a launchpad for those who want to elevate their public service careers and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Application Timeline
- Application for Admission Opens: September
- Admission Application Deadline: Early December
- Financial Aid Application Deadline: January
Applicants must complete both the HKS application for the MC/MPA program and the financial aid application to be considered for the fellowship.
How to Apply
- Submit your application for the MC/MPA program through Harvard Kennedy School.
- Complete the financial aid application, available later in the fall.
- To begin your application journey or receive updates, visit the HKS website to request more information and review detailed application instructions.
Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey
The American Service Fellowship is designed to recognize and invest in those who have already committed themselves to public good. With access to an unmatched academic environment, a powerful network of changemakers, and the resources of Harvard University, fellows will emerge equipped to lead and serve at even higher levels.
Your service has made a difference. Now it’s time to lead on a national and global stage.
FAQs
1. What is the American Service Fellowship (ASF)?
The ASF is a new, one-year, fully funded fellowship announced in July 2025 that provides full tuition, fees, and a living stipend—a total package of $100,000 per fellow—to at least 50 U.S. public servants or military veterans entering the MC/MPA Program (Harvard Kennedy School).
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must have at least seven years of service in one of these categories:
- U.S. military veterans or active-duty service members
- Federal, state, local, or tribal public sector employees (e.g. teachers, police, firefighters)
- Alumni of full-time civilian national service programs, such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps (Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Kennedy School).
3. How do I apply—and when are the deadlines?
- The MC/MPA admission application opens in early September and the deadline is in early December.
- The financial aid application, which includes ASF consideration, is due in early January.
- Decisions are communicated in mid‑March (Harvard Kennedy School).
Notably, application fees are waived for ASF applicants (Harvard Kennedy School).
4. What is the selection criteria?
Applicants are evaluated holistically, based on:
- Academic strength and intellectual ability
- Leadership experience and professional achievement
- Demonstrated commitment and motivation to public service
A successful candidate generally has at least 7 years of impactful public service, strong leadership, and ambition to effect change (Harvard Kennedy School).
5. What if I don’t qualify—or I’m admitted but not awarded the fellowship?
Even if an applicant doesn’t meet ASF eligibility (e.g. fewer than 7 years of service), they may still apply for and be admitted to the MC/MPA program and be considered for other Harvard or HKS scholarship options. Around 49% of students received some form of aid in 2023–2025—but not necessarily full funding (Harvard Kennedy School).
Quick at-a-glance summary:
| FAQ # | Question | Key Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is ASF? | 50 fully funded fellowships covering tuition, fees, and stipend ($100,000) for MC/MPA |
| 2 | Who is eligible? | ≥7 years of U.S. service: military, government staff, Peace Corps/AmeriCorps alumni |
| 3 | How to apply? | Admission app opens Sept (due Dec), financial aid due Jan, decisions by mid‑March |
| 4 | Selection criteria? | Academic + leadership + public service mindset |
| 5 | If not eligible or not awarded? | Apply anyway—other scholarships exist; partial aid common (≈49% receive aid) |
