PRISCILLA CHAN STRIDE SERVICE PROGRAM

Established in 1983, Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program (formerly known as Stride Rite) supports students of diverse economic and social backgrounds as they become leaders in their communities, both as undergraduates and beyond. To do this, the program provides reflection and skill development opportunities, mentorship, and financial assistance.

“Through the PBHA Service Scholars program I learned the skills I need to be a leader in public service and the courage to make the choice to dedicate my professional life to service.” – Coley Barbee ’05

PBHA’s Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to income-eligible undergraduate students to support a consistent, year-round commitment to service. Scholars join a community of undergraduates dedicated to service and social justice. The group engages in reflection and shared learning, guided by program staff and community members. In addition, scholars receive financial support to make their service work possible and one-on-one mentorship in social justice values and careers.  Any enrolled full-time college student eligible for Federal Work-Study, significant financial aid, or from a low-income background is invited to apply. Scholars engage in year-round meaningful service starting in the summer each year immediately following the Spring when they apply.

Program Contract

Program participants commit to:

  • Service work continuity with a geographic, population, or issue-based community year-round

  • 25 hours/week for at least 8 weeks of service over the summer

  • 10 hours/week average during the academic year

  • 5 full group meetings (1 summer, 2 fall, 2 spring)

  • 2 small group meetings (1 fall, 1 spring)

  • 2 one-on-one meetings (1 fall, 1 spring)

  • 2 reflection essays (1 fall, 1 spring)

  • 8 hours of leadership development training (typically one or two days in the fall)

  • 2 PBHA-wide events (fall Call of Service Lecture and Award, and spring Public Service Celebration)

Program participants who fulfill the commitments receive:

  • Structured mentorship and leadership skill-building in socially just, community-based work.

  • Connections with the Stride alumni network in public service fields.

  • Scholarship between $1000 to $7000 to support summer public service, depending on hours, housing, and other funding sources (may be paid to the individual or academic institution).

  • Scholarship of up to $2000 per semester to support term time service (may be paid to the individual or academic institution).

  • A $450 book award to support purchase of academic supplies & books

  • A $1,000 dollar graduation bonus for each year for full-attendance for all program components.

  • A reflective, compassionate, and dedicated cohort of peers thinking about and striving toward social justice in their lives, volunteering, and work.

Contact STRIDE@pbha.org with questions about eligibility.


Apply to join the Priscilla Chan Stride Undergraduate Scholarship Program by clicking the button below.

Deadline: May 15, 2024 for 2024-2025 cohort.

Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program: Postgraduate Fellowship

Established in 1983, Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program (formerly known as Stride Rite) supports students of diverse economic and social backgrounds as they become leaders in their communities, both as undergraduates and beyond. To do this, the program provides reflection and skill development opportunities, mentorship, and financial assistance.

For those students who are seeking to engage in an entrepreneurial, high impact service project following graduation, Stride established a post-graduate service fellowship. This fellowship is awarded each year to support entrepreneurial projects that reflect a continued commitment to social justice on behalf of the graduating senior. Many of these fellowships have been instrumental in the establishment of high impact non-profit organizations that are gaining national and international recognition. Some of these include Strong Women, Strong Girls, The Boston Worker’s Alliance, Peace First, and On the Rise.

APPLY TO THE PRISCILLA CHAN STRIDE SERVICE PROGRAM POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

PBHA’s Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program Postgraduate Fellowships are intended for Harvard seniors who were devoted to service as undergraduates, and who demonstrate a future lifetime commitment to service. The spirit of the award is to provide fellows with the opportunity to put their vision for social change into action. Each fellow is awarded up to $40,000.

The grant money from the Phillips Brooks House Association is intended to support the fellow’s living expenses as they work on a public interest project full-time in the year following graduation.

The committee generally favors projects with the following characteristics:

  • Entrepreneurial

  • Community based

  • Within the U.S. (ideally in a community with which the applicant has worked in the past)

  • Builds on undergraduate service experience

  • Potential for ongoing impact

The committee generally favors applicants with the following characteristics:

  • Participated in year-round public service during their undergraduate career

  • Built long-term relationships with one or more communities

  • Plan to work in a human services profession long-term

  • Passionate, energetic, effective leaders

Want to continue making a difference after graduation? Have an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to turn your public service experiences into a year-long project proposal?

2024 Postgraduate Fellowship Program Application Details:

Applicants to the Chan STRIDE Postgraduate Fellowship Program must attend one information session or contact STRIDE@pbha.org to schedule an alternate session.

Come find out more at an upcoming info session about a way to make it happen through the Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program Postgraduate Fellowship. We will discuss fellowship criteria, individual questions, and coaching at information sessions in the Spring semester. **All applicants must attend an information session to be eligible. **

PDF Application & Details here.

The full application, with reference letters, must include the following: 

  • APPLICATION: https://www.tfaforms.com/5104046

  • Letter of Intent submitted online HERE – Due date March 6, 5:00PM

    References will be contacted after you submit their info with the LOI:

    • One letter:  comment on relevant public service work and attest to commitment and experience

    • One letter from undergraduate house affiliation or Harvard faculty member

    • Optional: second public service recommendation.  (suggested: one from a community member)

    Application in full: due March 28, 5:00PM

  • Submitted Completed Application Online:

    • Project Proposal

    • Personal Statement

    • Community Partner Sponsorship Letter

    • Budget

    • Resume

    • Public Service & Extracurricular Activities summary

    • Current College Transcript (unofficial or official)

    • Other Attachments (if desired)