The Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded 11-month program offered by the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. The fellowship combines intensive academic training, hands-on research experience, mentorship, and professional development to prepare emerging leaders for careers in public policy and social impact.
Successful fellows will receive financial support worth up to $96,000, including funding for living expenses, healthcare, and academic credentials.
In this article, you will find details about the fellowship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, program structure, and application process.
Harris Social Impact Fellowship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Host Institution: University of Chicago
- Study Level: Fellowship
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Duration: 11 Months
- Eligible Countries: Open to eligible applicants authorized to work in the United States
- Reward: Up to $96,000 Funding Package
- Application Deadline: October 19, 2026
About the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who are passionate about solving complex social and public policy challenges through evidence-based approaches.
The fellowship begins in July 2027 and starts with eight weeks of intensive academic training covering research methods, data analytics, economic analysis, and policy evaluation. Fellows then spend nine months working on real-world projects while receiving mentorship from policy experts, researchers, and faculty members.
The program concludes with a capstone project that demonstrates participants’ ability to apply analytical and research skills to pressing social issues.
Harris Social Impact Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- $75,000 for living and healthcare expenses
- $21,000 toward academic credential costs
- Total fellowship package valued at $96,000
- Eight weeks of intensive academic training
- Nine months of applied research experience
- Professional development opportunities
- Mentorship from policy leaders and faculty
- Access to a network of researchers, alumni, and civic leaders
- Hands-on experience working on real social-impact initiatives
- Opportunity to complete a data-driven capstone project
Harris Social Impact Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree before the fellowship begins
- Be a recent graduate or early-career professional
- Demonstrate strong technical, analytical, or quantitative skills
- Show evidence of these skills through coursework, research, or professional experience
- Have a strong interest in public policy and social impact
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Understand that visa sponsorship is not available for this fellowship
- Note that the fellowship does not qualify for STEM OPT extension benefits
Program Structure
1. Academic Coursework
During the first eight weeks, fellows complete intensive coursework focused on:
- Research Methods
- Data Analytics
- Economic Analysis
- Analytical Politics
This training provides the foundation needed for evidence-based policy work.
2. Applied Learning
Following coursework, fellows spend nine months working on real-world challenges such as:
- Educational Equity
- Climate Action
- Public Safety
- Health Equity
- Government Efficiency
3. Capstone Project
The fellowship concludes with a capstone project where fellows apply research, policy, and analytical skills to address a real public-sector or social-impact problem.
How to Apply for Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official fellowship website.
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Draft a strong motivation statement.
- Complete the Technical Experience Statement.
- Secure a recommendation letter from a qualified referee.
- Submit the online fellowship application before the deadline.