PPIA Fellowship Program (Junior Summer Institute)

Turn your passion for public service into a powerful future. The Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship is a fully-funded, seven-week program at a Junior Summer Institute hosted by one of three Universities.  You will gain the skills, network, and confidence to succeed in graduate school and beyond. Open to students of all backgrounds, this program is hosted at Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Michigan. It helps you build the skills, network, and confidence to get there — and upon completing the program, you’ll join our lifelong community as a PPIA Fellow.  The PPIA Fellowship is a seven-week, high-intensity experience that propels rising leaders toward graduate school and beyond. Hosted at one of our Junior Summer Institute sites — top public policy graduate schools at Harvard, Princeton or the University of Michigan — each with its own area of expertise in public policy and public service,  you’ll sharpen your analytical edge, expand your policy expertise, and build a powerful network of peers, faculty, and employers who will champion your journey well beyond the program.

Junior Summer Institute (2026)Harvard Program:  June 14 – July 31, 2026
Princeton Program:  June 8 – July 24, 2026
University of Michigan Program: June 7 – July 25, 2026

Eligibility 

  • Current undergraduate juniors working toward their first bachelor’s degree at a U.S.-based college or university (graduating between December 2026 and August 2027).
  • U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and DACA recipients may apply to all Junior Summer Institute sites.
  • International students enrolled at U.S. institutions may apply to Princeton only.

Award Highlights: 

  • Summer Stipend
  • Funded Coursework
    • Graduate‑level classes in domestic and international policy, economics, statistics and leadership
  • Books and Housing
  • Career Coaching

Application Components: 

  • Educational and financial information — Including extracurricular and work experiences  
  • Income verification — FAFSA or official financial aid letter  
  • Your resume — Highlighting academic and professional experiences  
  • All college-level transcripts — From every institution attended   
  • Junior Summer Institute site preferences — Rank your top choices; most admitted students match with one of their top three  
  • Recommender Contact information
  • Two Essays (500 words each)
    • Essay 1 — Your Path and Potential  
      • Reflect on how your lived experiences, academic interests, and leadership goals align with PPIA’s mission to expand access, foster inclusive leadership, and strengthen pathways into public service.  
      • Share the impact you hope to make as a future public service leader.
    • Essay 2 — Your Leadership in Action  
      • Describe experiences that shaped your perspective and values, and how they influence the kind of leader you aspire to be.  
      • Explain how you’ll use these lessons to build trust, strengthen dialogue, and create meaningful impact in your community.  
    • Optional Essay  
      • Share any personal or financial circumstances you feel are important for the selection committee to know.  
Award Website

ppiaprogram.org/fellowship

application Deadline

November 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm (EST)

Contact the Advising Team

Advisor: Office of Distinguished Scholarship