The Institute of Politics offers funding for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors accepting non- or low-paying summer internships in local, state, or federal government, public interest groups, non-governmental organizations, political organizations, and political campaigns. Internships can be domestic or international, but international internships must have a government affiliation.

Students are responsible for obtaining their own internship. The internship should be full-time and last a minimum of eight weeks. Preference will be given to undergraduates who have never received an IOP Stipend, but students who have received one previous stipend are eligible to apply.

Financial need is taken into account for the IOP Summer Stipend Program in addition to internship length and the organization’s commitment to politics and public service. After the deadline has passed, applications are reviewed on an individual basis, and awards range from $1,500 to $3,000.

A selection committee comprised of Institute of Politics staff and alumni will review all submissions. The IOP Internships Program staff ensures the anonymity of all applicants during the evaluation process.

For questions about the Summer Stipend Program, please email IOP_ICS@hks.harvard.edu.

Students who receive funding from the IOP must report all Harvard sources of funding to IOP staff.  Failure to report Harvard funding sources or complete IOP program requirements may result in the revocation of funding.