Students
We offer a variety of opportunities for Harvard Kennedy School students to engage with our experts and contribute to our mission: providing research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world.
Upcoming Student Events
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events tailored for students.
Events Page
Belfer Young Leader (BYL) Student Fellowship
The Belfer Young Leaders (BYL) Student Fellowship Program helps prepare a community of high-achieving Harvard Kennedy School students to cultivate 21st century, global ideas and to gain the strong analytical and innovative leadership skills necessary to excel in the global affairs arena. The BYL fellowship program also aims to impart to students the importance of community, service, and leadership. This fellowship includes the possibility of a financial award of up to $50,000.00 per academic year to be applied towards tuition; awards will be determined based on a student’s need, other financial awards, and academic performance of the student.
Eligibility: MPP and MPA students at the Harvard Kennedy School can apply during 2 application periods - as a prospective HKS student during the admissions and financial aid process and as a rising MPP2/MPA2 student during March of their first year. This fellowship is not currently open to MPA-ID candidates.
Duration: One year, eligible for renewal based upon an annual evaluation process and academic good standing.
Prospective students: Applications are now closed.
Returning Students: Applications are now closed.
Belfer Sponsored Conferences
German American Conference
Be ready to immerse yourself in international affairs, diplomacy, and transatlantic relations. We’re thrilled to invite you for another year of celebrating German-American friendship. Regardless if you’re eager to make an impact on the global stage or are curious about stepping beyond borders, we are your platform to engage in US and German politics, international relations, and forecasts of our planet.
European Conference
The European Conference is one of the most important events about Europe and the transatlantic relationships in the United States. It is jointly organized by students from the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, the Harvard Business School, the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Its core goal is to strengthen the transatlantic dialogue by bringing together leading scholars, policymakers, leaders, and students from both sides of the Atlantic.
India Conference
In a world where India's influence reaches far beyond her borders, we are diving deep into her ascent on the global stage. From geopolitics to business and the rich tapestry of culture, witness India's remarkable journey of being a global leader.
Social Enterprise Conference
The 25th Annual Social Enterprise Conference (SECON), presented by students at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, will bring together top leaders, practitioners and students on March 23-24, 2024 to engage in dialogue, debate, and expression around Social Enterprise.
Africa Development Conference
Harvard's Africa Development Conference (ADC) is an annual event led by students of African descent at Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School. ADC has become the premier conference for facilitating global discourse on the primary issues of Africa's development, bringing together influential players to further the debate and share progressive policies and practices for a better future for Africa.
Black Policy Conference
The Black Policy Conference serves as a policy-driven forum that brings together leading minds and practitioners to find sustainable solutions to challenges affecting Black communities.
By creating a dialogue between students, policymakers, practitioners, academics, and community members, the students seek to evaluate existing systems and inspire agents of change and progress.
Panels and workshops will help to equip participants to engage with communities, facilitate educational dialogue on relevant policy issues, and become stronger advocates for civic participation.
Women in Power Conference
The Women in Power Conference will highlight women at the forefront of 2024’s most pressing challenges. A conference for changemakers, leaders, and advocates, attendees will learn new skills and hear from women charting new frontiers, championing new ideas, and leading across areas such as climate change, AI, and ongoing conflicts.
Afilliated Student Groups
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Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development (W3D)
Sign Up for W3D UpdatesWomen in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development is a student organization elevating the visibility and impact of women interested in pursuing careers in the fields of security, diplomacy, and development. The group provides an inclusive space and network for students seeking to enter or advance within traditionally male-dominated fields.
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Armed Forces Committee (AFC)
Sign Up for AFC UpdatesThe Armed Forces Committee is a HKS student-led organization that hosts “For the Common Defense,” a weekly speaker series featuring top-tier military and civilian leaders. It focuses pressing national security issues, discusses the civilian-military divide, and serves as the first interaction many students have with the military.
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Ukraine Caucus
CONTACTThe Ukraine Caucus is a student organization at HKS. Our mission is to focus on the geopolitics of Ukraine and the surrounding region as well as the country’s relationship with the U.S. We strive to serve as an invaluable asset for those interested in learning about the country’s political, economic, societal, and cultural dynamics.
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European Club
CONTACTThe European Club is the student organization at Harvard Kennedy School that brings Europeans and students interested in Europe together.
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Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs PIC
CONTACTThe Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs PIC convenes students who share a professional interest in diplomacy and international relations. The PIC offers policy programming events, professional development, and ties to diplomatic communities in the USA and around the world.
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Your Group?
For questions/inquiries about becoming affiliated with the Belfer Center, please contact Helene Jow at helenejow@hks.harvard.edu.
Funding Support
Belfer Center Student Funding Policy
Purpose
To ensure clarity, consistency, and equity in the allocation of student funding, the Belfer Center has adopted standardized award amounts and a structured application process.
1. Eligibility
Only current HKS students are eligible to apply for funding. Student groups affiliated with HKS must have been vetted by the Kennedy School Student Government (KSSG) and/or Student Services. The Belfer Center can not fund student conferences that have not been vetted. Only currently affiliated Belfer Center students, such as Belfer Young Leaders (BYLs), Research Assistants (RAs), and Course Assistants (CAs) assigned to Belfer projects and faculty are eligible to apply for funding for conference attendance, research projects, or internships.
2. Student-Led Conference Funding
Funding levels for student-led conferences will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Size of the conference, how long-standing and established the conference is, history of collaboration with the Belfer Center, and quality and outcomes of past conference events
3. Application Timeline
All funding applications must be submitted during a designated two-week application period held ahead of each semester and the summer. Only applications submitted during this window will be considered for review and potential funding. Some exceptions may apply.
Funding Windows: September 1-12, January 26-February 6, and April 20-May 8