Scholarship Overview
What Is the Harris Social Impact Fellowship?
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship is an intensive, full-time 11-month program designed by University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy faculty. It transforms technically skilled, early-career professionals into evidence-based problem solvers through a blend of rigorous academic training and hands-on applied learning.
The fellowship runs from July 2027 to June 2028 and is based at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus. It is highly selective, with a cohort size of just 15 fellows.
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Financial Support: What You Receive
The fellowship provides comprehensive funding:
- $75,000 stipend for living and healthcare expenses
- $21,000 to fully cover the fellowship academic credential program
This makes the fellowship fully funded—there is no cost to participants, and you receive substantial financial support to live in Chicago throughout the program.
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Program Structure: From Classroom to Real-World Impact
Summer Quarter: Academic Foundation (8 weeks)
Fellows begin with intensive, faculty-led coursework covering:
- Research Methods: Causal reasoning, randomized experiments, difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs
- Economic Analysis: Microeconomic theory, social welfare analysis, cost-benefit analysis, public finance
- Analytical Politics: Political philosophy, game theory, governance challenges, policy influence strategies
- Data Analytics: Quantitative analysis, program evaluation, machine learning and AI applications
Autumn through Spring Quarters: Applied Learning (9 months)
Fellows are placed with leading research centers and policy institutes, working on urgent issues such as:
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- Educational equity
- Climate action and environmental policy
- Crime reduction and public safety
- Government efficiency
- Health equity
Spring Quarter: Capstone Project
Fellows complete a real-world, data-driven policy initiative addressing a critical social challenge—serving as both a skills demonstration and career stepping stone.
Host Sites and Sample Projects
Host sites vary annually. Current partners include:
- Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab (BIP Lab): AI-powered survey simulation, video analysis of parent-child interactions, digital program engagement analysis
- Urban Labs | Crime Lab: Violence reduction initiatives, statistical modeling for policing leadership programs
- Urban Labs | Energy and Environment Lab: Field experiments with EPA partners, machine learning for environmental policy, remote sensing technology testing
- Urban Labs | Health Lab: 911 crisis response transformation, emergency services research design
- Mansueto Institute: Local data journalism, property tax fairness research with demonstrated policy impact
Who Should Apply: Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is designed for candidates who:
- Have strong technical, quantitative, or analytical skills—demonstrated through coursework, research, or work experience in data science, engineering, statistics, applied math, or related fields
- Are recent college graduates or early-career professionals with less than two years of experience
- Hold a bachelor’s degree conferred prior to the start of the fellowship
- Want to apply technical capabilities to social impact but need training and exposure to policy work
No prior policy experience is required. The inaugural cohort had an average age of 22 and came from diverse technical backgrounds.
Important Visa Limitation
The University of Chicago cannot sponsor visas for this program. If you are a U.S. visa holder, you must confirm whether participation fits within your current visa status. The fellowship does not qualify for the STEM OPT extension.
For African applicants: This means you must already hold valid U.S. work authorization (such as through another visa category) or be a U.S. citizen/permanent resident to participate. The program does not provide visa sponsorship for international applicants.
Application Requirements and Documents
You must submit:
- Motivation Statement (~300 words, one page single-spaced): Describe your interest in evidence-based public policy and how the fellowship aligns with your goals
- Technical Experience Statement (one page): Detail your technical, quantitative, or analytical experience. A sample statement is available for download
- Resume
- One Letter of Recommendation: From someone who can speak to your technical abilities (research supervisor, professor, or manager preferred)
- Transcripts
Application Timeline and Deadlines
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | October 19, 2026, 11:59 PM CT |
| Take-Home Technical Assessment | Mid-late November 2026 |
| Virtual Interviews | Early-mid December 2026 |
| Lab Matching Interviews & On-Campus Interview Day | Mid-late January 2027 |
Drop-in office hours with the program team are available on September 11, September 25, and October 7, 2026 (12-1 PM CDT).
Career Development and Alumni Network
Throughout the program, fellows receive:
- One-on-one coaching for career direction, resume refinement, and interview preparation
- Targeted employer connections with mission-driven organizations
- Mentorship from policy leaders, faculty, and alumni
- Networking opportunities across public, private, and social sectors
After completion, alumni join a lifelong community with an annual retreat, networking events, and opportunities to engage with future cohorts.
Faculty and Advisory Board
The fellowship is led by Professor Austin Wright (Faculty Director) with courses taught by leading Harris School faculty including Ariel Kalil, Lesley Turner, and Christopher Berry. The advisory board includes prominent figures such as David Axelrod (former Senior Advisor to President Obama) and leaders from finance, philanthropy, and government.
