About the opportunity
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Fellows Program brings expert practitioners in urban problem-solving and government innovation to the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University to advance projects that can strengthen local government and city leadership. Through a semester-long exchange that includes three visits to Harvard, Visiting Fellows engage with faculty, students, scholars, and practitioners to advance their projects while contributing their expertise to the Center’s research, teaching, and events. Projects may include research, writing, convening, developing practical resources, or building initiatives and networks that benefit local governments and city leaders. Fellows remain based in their home communities and participate in required visits to Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Funding and benefits
- Coverage of travel and accommodation costs associated with required campus visits
- Opportunities to engage with Harvard faculty, students, scholars, and practitioners
- Platform to advance independent projects and generate resources for urban problem-solving
- Participation in Center events and exploration of opportunities for deeper collaboration
Who can apply?
- Open to expert practitioners in urban problem-solving and government innovation
- Includes former public servants, civic and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and leaders working in philanthropy, nonprofits, the private sector, higher education, and related fields
- Applicants must have a demonstrated record of designing, leading, testing, implementing, or evaluating solutions to complex urban challenges
- Applicants must bring a specific project they are positioned to advance that addresses an important urban challenge and can benefit local governments, city leaders, or residents
- Current and former mayors are not eligible
- Applicants with prior government experience must have left their most recent government role at least 18 months before applying
Required documents
- Project proposal describing the urban problem, proposed work, anticipated outcomes, and ability to advance it
- Engagement plan outlining how the applicant hopes to work with students, faculty, and the Center community
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Two letters of referral from a professional or academic colleague
When to apply
- Applications are open through December 11, 2026, closing at 11:59 p.m. EST
How to apply
- Prepare the required project proposal, engagement plan, curriculum vitae or resume, and two letters of referral
- Submit the application through the official online application form before the deadline
Additional information
- The program is not an accelerator, incubator, project funder, grant program, or procurement pathway
- The program requires a minimum commitment of one semester, including three planned visits to Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed before final selections are made
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Experienced practitioners, civic leaders, and professionals seeking a prestigious academic platform to advance an urban-focused project without relocating permanently
- Professionals eager to mentor students and collaborate with Harvard faculty and scholars through study groups and virtual office hours
- Individuals with a mature, feasible project that generates scalable insights or tools for city leaders
What should you think carefully about?
- The program does not provide project funding, grants, or financial support beyond covering travel and accommodations for campus visits
- Applicants must commit to traveling to Cambridge, Massachusetts three times during the semester while maintaining their base in their home communities
- Current and former mayors are strictly excluded, and those with recent government experience must meet the 18-month cooling-off rule
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is ideal for practitioners looking to pause, structure, and elevate an existing urban innovation project by leveraging Harvard's academic network. It suits professionals aiming to share their expertise with students and civic leaders while expanding their professional reach, without requiring a full relocation or a long-term academic sabbatical.
Our take
Experienced urban practitioners and innovators with a concrete, actionable project and a desire to engage with an academic community should seriously consider applying. It is less suitable for those seeking direct project funding, commercial product incubation, or individuals bound by recent government service limits.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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