PRISCILLA CHAN STRIDE SERVICE PROGRAM

Established in 1983, Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program (formerly 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.

“Being a part of the Priscilla Chan Stride program as an FGLI student has allowed me to continue to remain dedicated to public service while being a part of an empowering community of student leaders and advocates. I am grateful for the skills I have acquired and appreciative that I have a community to lean on in my work.” — Abbeny Solis, ‘25

PBHA’s Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program 

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 Harvard-enrolled full-time college student eligible for federal work-study, with significant financial aid, or from a low-income background is invited to apply. College students who participated in PBHA programming; and do not go to Harvard can also 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 means:

    • At a minimum, working 25 hours/week for at least 8 weeks of service over the summer

    • At least, 10 hours/week during the academic year

  • Submitting 2 reflection essays (1 fall, 1 spring)

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

  • Attending 2 one-on-one meetings with program staff (1 fall, 1 spring)

  • Attending a full day (8 hours) of leadership development training (typically in the fall)

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

  • Attending 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.

  • 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). 

    • For example, if you do the expected 25 hours/week of service you will receive around $4,500 for the summer.

  • Scholarship of up to $2000 per semester to support term time service (may be paid to the individual or academic institution). Those who go abroad in the Spring must speak with program staff - payment is not guaranteed for individuals abroad. 

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

  • A $1,000 graduation bonus for each year an individual participates in Stride. This stipend is solely based on 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 Service Program by clicking the button below.

The application has closed for the 2024-2025 cohort. Please check back in April 2025.