Academic Coursework
8 weeks of intensive, faculty-led coursework in data analytics, economic analysis, and analytical politics at the University of Chicago
Immersive Learning
9-months of immersive learning with leading research centers and policy institutes tackling issues like education, public safety, health equity, and climate change
Professional Development
Mentorship and PD through workshops focused on technical and leadership skills, problem sets, panel discussions, and networking with senior faculty, alumni, and civic leaders
Capstone Project
Real-world deliverables to showcase skills and apply fellowship training to a real-world social impact challenge in partnership with a mission-driven organization
Life-Long Community
The fellowship offers unique opportunities and an annual retreat that keeps alumni connected, creating a vibrant, impact-driven network
Mentorship and Career Coaching
Fellows receive personalized guidance throughout the program to navigate their professional goals and grow as social impact leaders
Summer Quarter | Orientation and Academic Coursework
Orientation lays the foundation for a strong, mission-driven cohort through community-building activities and exercises that foster a culture of open and civil discourse. From there, Fellows spend the first quarter in a fast-paced academic environment sharpening technical and analytical tools ranging from quantitative analysis and critical reasoning to cost benefit analysis and policy design.
Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarters | Applied Learning
Fellows complete nine months of high-impact, real-world applied learning within teams tackling urgent public challenges such as advancing educational equity, improving government efficiency, and accelerating climate action.
Spring Quarter | Capstone Project
Fellows synthesize their year of learning and field experience into a Capstone Project—a real-world, data-driven policy initiative that addresses a critical challenge in the public or social sector. Working closely with mentors and project partners, fellows apply their technical skills, research insights, and leadership abilities to craft actionable solutions. The Capstone serves as both a final demonstration of fellows' abilities and a key stepping stone in their career development, with opportunities to present findings to stakeholders, policymakers, and future employers.
Data Analytics
With the focus on quantitative analysis, critical reasoning, and generating credible evidence, fellows learn program evaluation methodologies and develop the ability to critically assess policy claims. Fellows will also learn to leverage machine learning and AI to enhance their technical skills.
Economic Analysis
Developing foundational knowledge in microeconomic theory, social welfare analysis, and cost-benefit analysis, fellows will be equipped with skills in public finance, budgeting, and applying evaluation strategies to organizational improvement.
Analytical Politics
Exploring political philosophy, game theory, and governance challenges, this course provides fellows with tools to analyze how political institutions shape policymaking and strategies to influence policy effectively.
Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab
The Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab aims to promote human potential by using cutting-edge research methods to gain new insights into the science of parent decision-making.
Urban Labs | Education Lab
The Education Lab partners with school districts to design, test, and scale programs to ensure all students have the opportunity for future success.
Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation
The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation empowers urban communities through interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and innovation to address complex societal challenges.
Urban Labs | Crime Lab
The Crime Lab designs, tests, and scales data-driven innovations to improve the public sector’s response to the dual challenges of America’s gun violence crisis and a criminal justice system that is not truly just.
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Austin Wright
Austin L. Wright serves as the Faculty Director of the Harris Social Impact Fellowship and is an Associate Professor and Director of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
Ariel Kalil
Ariel Kalil is the Daniel Levin Professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, where she directs the Center for Human Potential and Public Policy and co-directs the Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab.
Jens Ludwig
Jens Ludwig is the Bergman Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, Pritzker Director of the Crime Lab, and Codirector of the Education Lab and the National Bureau of Economic Research’s working group on the economics of crime.
Chris Berry
Christopher R. Berry is the William J. and Alicia Townsend Friedman Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy and the College and Director the Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, at the University of Chicago.
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