The Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027

If you’re passionate about translating data into meaningful change, the Harris Social Impact Fellowship invites you to step into an immersive, evidence-driven leadership journey. Offered by the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, this selective, full-time 11-month program is tailored for recent graduates and early-career professionals with strong STEM or analytical backgrounds. With a rigorous curriculum and real-world placements, it equips fellows to tackle pressing issues with policy excellence.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: University of Chicago, Hyde Park Campus (Chicago, IL, USA)

• Host Institution: Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago

• Level: Fellowship (non-degree), early-career post-bachelor

• Target Group: Recent graduates or early-career professionals with strong STEM or quantitative skills; U.S. work authorization required (no visa sponsorship)

• Fields of Focus: Evidence-based policymaking, data analytics, economic analysis, analytical politics, public sector challenges (education, equity, crime, climate, government efficiency)

• Coverage:

  • Living & Healthcare Stipend: $75,000

  • Academic Credential Funding: $21,000

• Duration: 11 months, full-time (July 2026 – June 2027)

• Application Deadline: Recruitment began July 31, 2025, and applications expire October 19, 2025, Round 2: December 7

• Start Date: July 2026 cohort kick-off (academic coursework)

• Eligible To: Individuals with bachelor's degrees by start date; must be authorized to work in the U.S.; no visa support provided

📘 Fellowship Structure

• Academic Coursework (8 weeks): Intensive faculty-led instruction encompassing data analytics, economic analysis, and analytical politics—covering machine learning, cost-benefit analysis, social welfare, game theory, governance models, and more .

• Immersive Applied Learning (9 months): Placement at leading centers and institutes such as:

  • Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab

  • Urban Labs (Education Lab, Crime Lab)

  • Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation

    
    

    Fellows address real policy challenges around equity, public safety, climate action, etc.

• Capstone Project (Spring Quarter): A culminating initiative where fellows partner with mission-driven organizations to produce actionable, data-driven policy solutions. These are showcased to peers, policymakers, and employers

👩🏻‍⚖️ Professional Development & Community

• Mentorship & Career Coaching: Personalized guidance, resume/interview prep, one-on-one coaching, and access to a powerful professional network of faculty, alumni, and policy practitioners

• Lifelong Community & Alumni Network:

  • Annual retreat

  • Junior board placement opportunities

  • Continued networking and engagement across cohorts

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• Full financial support for living, healthcare, and academic credential

• Rigorous training in quantitative and policy analysis tools

• Immersive real-world experience in top-tier policy labs and institutions

• Capstone project to showcase applied skills in a tangible deliverable

• Career development including personalized coaching and elite networking

• Ongoing alumni engagement and professional community support

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree conferred prior to the fellowship start (July 2026)

• Strong background in STEM or quantitative/analytical work

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. (visa holders need to verify eligibility independently)

• Commitment to full-time, in-person participation on Chicago campus

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ℹ️ Earns Commission

📝Application Procedure

1. Application Submission: Open now (from July 31, 2025) and closes on October 19, 2025, Round 2: December 7th 2025

2. Materials Needed: Typically includes:

   • Resume/CV

   • Academic transcripts (likely unofficial at first)

   • Statement of purpose or personal essays

   • Letters of recommendation

   • Visa/work authorization documentation (if applicable)

🚀 Final Thoughts

With its fusion of rigorous training, hands-on policy work, and a supportive professional ecosystem, the Harris Social Impact Fellowship stands out as a powerful launchpad for technically skilled changemakers. If you're driven to harness evidence for transformative impact, this could be your next big step.

🔗 Details & Apply

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