moral ambition
fellowship
at Harvard
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Every year, the brightest students at Harvard are recruited by consulting firms, banks, and tech giants — industries optimizing for margin, not meaning. The Moral Ambition Fellowship at Harvard is an invitation to choose a different path.
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Let’s redefine success
We believe the next generation of leaders can — and must — channel their ambition toward solving the defining challenges of our time such as poverty, democracy, climate, and justice.
Over 10 transformative weeks, fellows will work full-time with a high-impact nonprofit organization, tackling problems that matter and learning what it means to build a career grounded in moral ambition rather than mere achievement.
Applications open October 31.
The Program
The summer after junior year is the single biggest funnel into consulting and banking — two paths that capture the talent we most need elsewhere. The program is designed to break that pattern and expand how we define ambition at a community like Harvard.
application
Applications for the program open on October 31, 2025, and will close on November 14, 2025. Click here to sign up and be notified as soon as applications open.
Ramp-up
During the spring, fellows will engage with bi-weekly speakers, participate in upskilling workshops, and take part in team-building and bonding activities designed to prepare them for the summer internship.
Internship
Fellows will complete placements at an exceptional host nonprofit. They will develop pivotal skills in modeling, policy research, and philanthropic innovation, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to make meaningful impact.
Beyond
After the internship, fellows will gain lifelong access to the SMA network, contribute to recruiting and supporting the next cohort, and receive guidance for career placement post-graduation.
We offer
We're looking for
We’re seeking twelve exceptional Harvard College juniors who refuse to accept that the only way to be “successful” is to sell out. You should be:
- Intellectually curious, relentlessly driven, and morally serious.
- Ready to take bold, thoughtful action in the face of daunting problems.
- Eager to spend your summer doing work that feels urgent, tangible, and transformative.