Harvard Institute of Politics

Harvard_Institute_of_Politics_logo

Harvard_Kennedy_School_Littauer_Building

Harvard Institute of Politics

Formation	1966
Founder	John F. Kennedy
Type	Nonprofit organization
Purpose	To inspire students to pursue careers in politics and public service
Headquarters	Cambridge, Massachusetts
Location	Harvard University
Director	Mark D. Gearan

The Harvard Institute of Politics (IOP) is a public service organization located at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1966 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the IOP aims to inspire students to pursue careers in politics and public service.

History

The Harvard Institute of Politics was founded in 1966, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The idea was to create a living memorial that would engage young people in politics and public service. The IOP was established with the support of the Kennedy family and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Mission

The mission of the IOP is to unite and engage students with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers to inspire them to pursue careers in politics and public service. The IOP provides a platform for students to interact with political leaders and gain practical experience in the field.

Programs and Activities

The IOP offers a variety of programs and activities, including:

• Fellows Program: This program brings distinguished public servants, academics, and activists to Harvard to engage with students through study groups and discussions.
• John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum: A premier arena for political speech, discussion, and debate, hosting numerous events with prominent political figures.
• Internship and Career Services: The IOP provides resources and support for students seeking internships and careers in public service.
• Campaign and Advocacy Program: This program offers students hands-on experience in political campaigns and advocacy work.
• Civic Engagement Program: Encourages students to participate in community service and civic activities.

Leadership

The IOP is led by a director, who oversees its various programs and initiatives. The current director is Mark D. Gearan, who has a long history of public service and leadership.

Notable Alumni

Many notable political figures and public servants have been associated with the IOP, either as students, fellows, or speakers. Some of these include:

• Al Gore
• Deval Patrick
• Cory Booker
• Pete Buttigieg

Location

The IOP is located within the Harvard Kennedy School campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Related Pages

• Harvard University
• Harvard Kennedy School
• John F. Kennedy
• Public service
• Political science

See Also

• List of Harvard University people
• List of political science journals
• Public policy schools