Harvard Institute of Politics

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

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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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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