Deadline: December 7, 2025
Are you passionate about using data, research, and evidence-based policy to drive real social change? The Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career professionals and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in policy research and implementation while being fully funded. Hosted at the prestigious University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, this programme is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders committed to tackling today’s most pressing social challenges.
About the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027 is an intensive, full-time 11-month fellowship that combines academic training with practical policy experience. It is tailored for individuals with strong STEM or quantitative backgrounds who are eager to apply their analytical skills to create social impact.
The fellowship structure includes:
- An 8-week academic session at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
- A 9-month field placement at a renowned research centre or policy institute, allowing fellows to contribute to high-impact projects.
- A capstone project, which synthesises academic learning and fieldwork experience.
Fellows will engage with real-world issues such as educational equity, climate action, crime reduction, and government efficiency—all while receiving world-class mentorship from leading experts.
Benefits
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship is fully funded and provides fellows with substantial financial support throughout the duration of the programme.
- Stipend: USD 75,000 to cover living and health-care expenses.
- Additional Coverage: Up to USD 21,000 to fully fund the academic credential associated with the fellowship.
This comprehensive funding ensures that fellows can focus fully on their learning, research, and professional growth without financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree conferred before the start of the fellowship.
- Demonstrate strong technical, quantitative, or analytical abilities through coursework, research, or professional experience.
- Be legally authorised to work in the United States, as the University of Chicago cannot sponsor visas for this fellowship.
Ideal candidates are individuals who combine intellectual curiosity, technical skill, and a passion for evidence-driven public policy.
Programme Focus Areas
The fellowship emphasises applying data and evidence to solve key societal challenges. Fellows may engage in projects related to:
- Educational Equity: Ensuring fair access and improved outcomes in education.
- Climate Action: Developing data-backed strategies for environmental sustainability.
- Crime Reduction: Supporting public safety through evidence-based policymaking.
- Government Efficiency: Enhancing transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application that includes:
- Motivation statement explaining their interest and goals.
- Technical experience statement demonstrating analytical and quantitative skills.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
- One letter of recommendation.
- Academic transcripts.
Application Deadline: 7 December 2025
Early preparation is strongly advised to ensure all materials reflect your analytical capabilities and alignment with the fellowship’s mission.
Why You Should Apply
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027 is ideal for those seeking to make measurable change through policy, data, and innovation. Fellows will gain:
- A deep understanding of how research drives public policy.
- Access to the University of Chicago’s world-class faculty and resources.
- Opportunities to work directly with influential policy institutions.
- A lifelong network of peers and mentors in the global public policy community.
Important Considerations
- Applicants must have U.S. work authorisation; visa sponsorship is not available.
- The programme requires relocation to the U.S. for nearly a year.
- Applicants from non-STEM backgrounds should highlight any data-driven or analytical experience to strengthen their applications.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: Ongoing
- Application Deadline: 7 December 2025
- Programme Start: 2026
Useful Links
- 👉 Click here to apply for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027
- 👉 Read more about the programme
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