Experiential learning at Harvard Kennedy School is an immersive experience both in the classroom and the field. Students, faculty, and state and local project partners bring together their unique skills and experiences to explore critical community issues from many angles. The research they produce is powerful, with an impact that extends far beyond a single course.
Building from the pioneering work of Professor Linda Bilmes with her Greater Boston Applied Field Lab, which started in 2005 with generous support from Jerry and Phyllis Rappaport, experiential learning opportunities through the Rappaport Institute have grown to include several courses that expose students to the real-world policy challenges of their state and local government clients. Learn more about our experiential learning opportunities below.
Current Experiential Learning Courses
Introduction to Budgeting and Financial Management
MLD-411M
Budgeting, accounting, and financial management concepts and techniques are central to the successful operation of government, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations.
Greater Boston Applied Field Lab: Advanced Budgeting, Financial Management and Operations
MLD-412
MLD-412 is an experiential-learning lab that will enable students to work on financial and operational challenges with real-world clients.
Operations Management
MLD-601
This course is an introduction to operations management which entails creating public value by efficiently delivering quality services.
Reports & Publications
Read a selection of reports and publications from the Rappaport Institute's experiential learning courses and field labs.