Harvard Kennedy School 2026 Public Policy Leadership Conference

The Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) is a fully funded, four-day academic and leadership development program hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 1, 2026, the conference is designed to inspire and prepare undergraduate students to pursue careers in public service, governance, policy, and leadership.

Participants will engage in workshops, networking events, and discussions led by policy experts, Harvard faculty, and current graduate students. The program is specifically designed to support undergraduate students—particularly those from underrepresented communities or facing structural barriers—by showing them how graduate-level training can shape careers across government, non-profits, international organizations, and social enterprises.

✔️ Round-trip flights
✔️ Accommodation
✔️ Meals during the conference
✔️ Transportation within Boston
✔️ Access to resources regarding graduate school financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships
✔️ Direct guidance on graduate school applications, leadership development, and public service career pathways

✔️ Must be an undergraduate student
✔️ Demonstrated clear interest in leadership, public impact, governance, or community engagement
✔️ Highly motivated by public service and solving social, economic, or development challenges
✔️ Open to students from various disciplines including political science, economics, sociology, public health, law, education, technology, and international relations