The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy has officially opened applications for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026, a prestigious 11-month, full-time program designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals with strong STEM backgrounds and a passion for using data to drive policy change.
The fellowship offers $71,000 in living and healthcare stipend plus $20,000 to fully cover academic credential costs, making it one of the most competitive and well-funded opportunities in the U.S. for emerging social impact leaders.
Program Overview
The fellowship blends eight weeks of intensive academic training in policy analysis, economics, and data analytics with nine months of hands-on applied learning at top-tier research centers and policy institutes. Participants work on pressing issues such as educational equity, climate action, crime reduction, and government efficiency, culminating in a capstone project that addresses a real-world policy challenge.
Fellows benefit from mentorship from policy leaders, professional development workshops, and lifetime membership in a high-impact alumni network. The program’s immersive nature equips graduates to make measurable, data-driven contributions across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Fellowship Benefits
- $71,000 stipend for living and healthcare expenses
- $20,000 academic credential coverage
- Placement at leading policy institutes such as the Crime Lab, Education Lab, and Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation
- Intensive training in data analytics, economic analysis, and analytical politics
- Personalized career coaching and direct employer connections
- Lifetime access to an impact-driven professional network.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates are:
- Recent graduates or early-career professionals with strong quantitative, technical, or analytical skills
- Individuals passionate about evidence-based policymaking and measurable social change
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S. (visa sponsorship not available)
Application Process
Applicants must submit application (https://info.harris.uchicago.edu/social-impact-fellowship) with following set of documents:
- Motivation statement
- Technical experience statement
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
The selection process includes a technical assessment, virtual interview, and on-campus interview day.
Application Deadlines
The last date to apply for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026 in Round 1 is October 19, 2025, while Round 2 applications will close on December 7, 2025.