Application

The Human Rights Program Summer Fellowship application is NOW open. For the 2020 cycle, we will only be accepting applications through our online form. You can learn more on the application steps page and apply through our Qualtrics form. The application deadline is February 1, 2020.

About Summer Fellowships

Summer fellowships for human rights internships are a central part of the Harvard Law School human rights experience and provide rich professional, personal, and intellectual opportunities. Many students and alumni/ae who are committed to human rights were introduced to the field through an internship. Interns work for at least eight weeks with nongovernmental or intergovernmental organizations concerned with human rights, exclusively outside the United States.

The Program encourages interns to work in organizations that are actively involved in monitoring and responding to human rights violations, grass roots mobilization, or similar activities. Students are free to seek out organizations and design new internships. Years of experience have left HRP with a rich source of information on NGOs and the experiences of past interns.

Advising

Before applying, prospective applicants must meet with a member of HRP for advising. You can schedule an appointment with Anna Crowe, Assistant Director of the International Human Rights Clinic, at this link. The Program will also assist students who are not seeking financial support to obtain information. Upon the conclusion of their summer placement, HRP helps students to build on their fellowship experience through the law school curriculum, clinical work, and third year writing. Many students have drawn on their experience to write articles published in the Harvard Human Rights Journal and elsewhere.

Eligibility

The fellowships are open to returning J.D. students and S.J.D. students.