fbpx Public Policy Leadership Conference | Harvard Kennedy School

The 23rd annual Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) will be held October  12-15, 2023 on the Harvard Kennedy School campus.

This year's PPLC application is now available. The deadline for application submission is Friday, June 30 at 5 p.m. ET. 

The PPLC inspires talented and driven undergraduate students to pursue careers in public policy and become leaders in:

  • Federal, state, or local governments
  • Nongovernmental organizations
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Intergovernmental organizations
  • International institutions
  • Social enterprises

During the PPLC, you will have the chance to learn about what it means to study public policy in a graduate school environment and will have opportunities to connect with current HKS students, faculty, and staff as well as other high-achieving undergraduate students. You will also receive information about possible fellowship and scholarship opportunities that could help fund your HKS graduate studies. 

Apply by June 30 at 5 p.m. ET
This year's PPLC application is now available.
Apply Now

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions

We are hosting several virtual information sessions to provide prospective PPLC applicants with more information about the conference and the application process.

Monday, May 22 | 3 p.m. ET
Register here

Thursday, June 8 | 1 p.m. ET
Register here

Wednesday, June 21 | 3 p.m. ET
Register here

The PPLC brings together talented undergraduates from around the country who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in public policy.

Learn about student eligibility requirements, application requirements, and more below to submit a complete and competitive application. If you have any additional questions, please contact PPLC Admissions. 

Eligibility Requirements & Application Process
What is the application deadline?

This year's PPLC application is now available. The deadline for application submission is Friday, June 30 at 5 p.m. ET. 

What materials are required for an application?

If you are interested in applying to the conference, we require you to submit: 

  • Your online application form
  • Your resume 
  • A personal statement essay 
  • A letter of recommendation (we advise that you ask your recommender as early as possible) 
  • An undergraduate academic transcript, which may be unofficial
Am I eligible to apply?

To be considered for PPLC, you must: 

  • Be enrolled in a two- or four-year U.S. undergraduate institution at the time of the conference
  • Have completed at least 2 academic semesters at a two- or four-year U.S. institution at the time of the conference
  • Not be scheduled to receive a bachelor's degree in the 2023-2024 academic year 
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, or non-citizen U.S. national
  • Have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or above 
  • Demonstrate an abiding commitment to public service through activism, student leadership, civic participation at school, in your community, or through volunteering. These details should be included in your resume and personal statement essay. 
Is this a funded opportunity?

 Yes, all costs associated with attending the  Public Policy Leadership Conference are paid for by the Harvard Kennedy School, including, but not limited to, transportation, accommodation, and meals while at the conference. 

Former Mayor of Washington, DC Anthony Williams MPP 1987 speaks with PPLC participants.
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