Harvard University Kennedy School of Government

About

Harvard Kennedy School

Story

Every generation faces the opportunity and responsibility to meet the challenges of its era. The greatest problems confronting our world today – from nuclear proliferation to climate change and entrenched poverty – are complex, interrelated and urgent. At Harvard Kennedy School, we ask what we can do to solve them.

Today’s problems require novel approaches and non-traditional alliances that bring together leaders from government, civil society and business. That’s why we bring a multidisciplinary approach to advancing the public interest.

Over the last 75 years, the Kennedy School has become the global leader in educating and empowering individuals committed to advancing the public interest. Our teachers are renowned scholars and accomplished practitioners who are actively engaged in the affairs of the world. Our students are legislators, nonprofit executives, social entrepreneurs, advocates and aspiring leaders – from every age group and every corner of the globe.

Across sectors and disciplines, our students gain critical skills for solving complex problems. They learn to think deeply and broadly about public service and the impact policies have on people, markets and institutions. They experience the nexus of academic rigor and real-world relevance. And they leave prepared to create positive social change.

Through our distinguished faculty, innovative research centers, diverse student body and global network of accomplished alumni, we are redefining what it means to advance the public interest while honoring John F. Kennedy’s call to public service.

Mission

To train enlightened public leaders and to generate the ideas that provide the solutions to our most challenging public problems.