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Deadline extended: April 5
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Every year, the brightest students are recruited by consulting firms, banks, and tech giants: industries optimizing for margin, not meaning.

The Moral Ambition University Fellowship is an exclusive program for sophomores at Harvard — and 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 and paying $15k for the summer, 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.

The Program

Sophomore year recruiting for 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.

april 5

application due

Applications for the program are open here.

Spring

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.

Summer

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.

Return

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.

”
Too often, students take (...) jobs for the security and clear routes they provide — but no one should sink into the “Bermuda Triangle” for the sole reason of safe passage. Harvard should take heed and cement pathways to assuage students of the instability of public service.
—
The Harvard Crimson Editorial Board

We offer

Compensation
A $15,000 summer stipend.
Experience
Full-time placement at a mission-driven organization, centered in New York City or Washington, DC.
Network
Access to a network of peers, mentors, and changemakers who believe success should mean improving the world, not exploiting it.

We're looking for

We’re seeking twelve exceptional Harvard College sophomores 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.
Apply Now
”
There are issues around the world that impact millions of people that are solvable, but no one is solving them. That struck a chord because I think it's happening on our campus and campuses across the country. The minute I got home, I had to email him.
—
Kyler Zhou
Princeton Junior

Frequently Asked Questions

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They Went Before You

Meet our EU fellows: a group of professionals from different backgrounds who are currently fighting Big Tobacco and helping transform the food system in the EU.

Meet Our Fellows

From the Field shares personal insights and stories from people working on some of the world's most pressing challenges. It is run by our Moral Ambition Fellows: professionals who left successful careers to work on challenges that are sizable, solvable, and sorely overlooked.

Read Articles

Watch Our Films

Our documentary series spotlights pioneers who traded prestige for purpose, taking you behind the scenes of our Brussels Fellowship, where fellows learn to turn ideals into policy.

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Support Us

Start contributing to our mission today — whether it’s by giving your time, your resources, or your expertise. Explore the ways you can get involved and start driving meaningful change with us.

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Our Community

The Moral Ambition Community already connects 25,000+ ambitious idealists from 150+ countries. Create your account to join events, expand your network and form a Moral Ambition Circle.

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Join a Circle

Embark on a structured, peer-led program that uncovers your personalized path to greater impact. Alongside 6-8 peers, you will explore what moral ambition means to you.

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