Opportunities for Students

Carol K. Pforzheimer Student Fellowships

Student Jane Kamenky reading during research class
Photo by Tony Rinaldo

Carol K. Pforzheimer Student Fellowships provide funding to Harvard undergraduates to do research in the Schlesinger Library’s collections.

Harvard Radcliffe Institute’s Schlesinger Library is committed to supporting students to pursue their own research. The research may relate to any of the library’s holdings, which include special collections documenting two centuries of social reform movements, from abolition to transgender rights.

While proposals related to any of the library’s collections are welcome, projects on the topics of law, education, and justice and on climate change are of particular interest. The research can be carried out in conjunction with a project for academic credit (such as a course paper or senior thesis), although it is not required. The $4,000 award may be used to cover travel and living expenses, photocopying, and other incidental research expenses, but not for the purchase of durable equipment or travel to other research sites. Applications will be evaluated on the significance of the research and the project’s potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge as well as its creativity in drawing on the library’s holdings.

How to Apply

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023–2024 academic year. The next application cycle will open on October 28, 2024.

Program Details


All currently enrolled undergraduate students at Harvard are eligible to apply except graduating seniors and students on leaves of absence.

We award grants on an annual basis. Applications open in late October every year and are due by the end of the following February. Decisions are announced in early April.

Applicants are required to provide a 1,200-word research proposal, a resume/CV, and a letter of recommendation in addition to completing a brief application form.

Students are welcome to apply for funding to support a new project, regardless of prior funding decisions. Students may also apply for funding to support the same project more than once. However, approval is not guaranteed.

Have questions? Email us at slgrants@radcliffe.harvard.edu.