PPIA Junior Summer Institute (JSI) Fellowship 2027

The Public Policy & International Affairs Program Junior Summer Institute is an intensive summer programme designed to prepare undergraduate students for graduate study and careers in public service, public policy and international affairs.
For Summer 2027, Fellows will attend one of three participating institutions: Harvard Kennedy School, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs or the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy.
The programme combines graduate-level coursework with professional development, policy analysis, quantitative skills, writing, economics, leadership and career preparation. The precise curriculum differs between host universities.
At Harvard, participants study areas including economics, quantitative analysis, public policy and policy design. Princeton emphasises economics, quantitative methods, policy analysis, writing and international and domestic policy issues. Michigan combines statistics, microeconomics, policy modules and professional writing.
PPIA describes the 2027 JSI as a fully funded summer experience. The programme is particularly valuable for students considering future graduate study in public policy, international affairs or related fields.
The fellowship also connects participants with the wider PPIA community and graduate-school network, creating opportunities for longer-term academic and professional development.

• Applicants for the 2027 programme must be graduating in December 2027 or between May and August 2028.
• Applicants should be undergraduate students preparing to enter their final year after completing the summer programme.
• Applicants must demonstrate an interest in public service, public policy or international affairs.
• Host-university eligibility information indicates that applicants should be studying at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• International students studying for an undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university may apply.
• Applicants should be prepared for academically rigorous coursework in policy, economics, statistics, writing and related areas.
• Princeton lists previous college-level economics, mathematics or statistics coursework, or relevant AP/IB coursework, among its eligibility requirements.
• Academic and preparation expectations can differ between the three JSI host institutions.

• Fully funded summer programme.
• Funded graduate-level coursework.
• On-campus housing.
• Books and course materials.
• Summer stipend.
• Career coaching and professional development.
• Training in policy analysis, economics, statistics, leadership and related skills.
• Access to PPIA's professional and academic community.
• Graduate-school preparation.
• Opportunities for future graduate-school application fee waivers and scholarship consideration through participating PPIA consortium institutions.

Host-specific benefits may include:

• Harvard currently states full tuition, housing and meals.
• Harvard states reimbursement for domestic travel to and from the programme.
• Harvard provides a US$2,000 summer living stipend.
• Princeton states a US$2,000 stipend, full tuition and domestic travel reimbursement.
• Michigan lists a US$2,000 stipend, travel expenses, housing and meals, books and related course supplies.

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed PPIA JSI online application.
• Résumé covering relevant work, extracurricular activities, community involvement, language skills and other experience.
• Personal statement or application essays.
• Unofficial academic transcripts from colleges or universities attended.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Academic history.
• Financial information requested in the application.
• Financial aid documentation where applicable.
• Other supporting documents requested through the PPIA application portal.

Students admitted to some host programmes may later be required to provide official academic transcripts.

PPIA does not publish a detailed numerical scoring system for the 2027 competition. However, official PPIA and host-school information indicates that strong applicants commonly demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance.
• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to public service.
• Interest in public policy or international affairs.
• Relevant academic, extracurricular, internship or community experience.
• Clear motivation for graduate study and public-service careers.
• Ability to contribute to the JSI learning community.
• A strong and complete application.

• Complete intensive graduate-level public policy preparation while still an undergraduate.
• Develop quantitative, economic, writing and policy-analysis skills.
• Study at Harvard, Princeton or the University of Michigan.
• Gain insight into graduate study in public policy and international affairs.
• Build relationships with students, faculty, public-service professionals and PPIA alumni.
• Receive professional and career development support.
• Join the wider PPIA community after completing the programme.
• Strengthen preparation for future graduate-school applications and public-service careers.