Community Engaged Learning Fellowships: Frequently Asked Questions

How often are community engaged learning fellowships offered?
The Global Mental Health Fellowship and the Winokur Fellowship are currently offered for work taking place in the summer. The Rose Service Learning Fellowship is offered twice per year (see FAQs for this fellowship).

How many awards will be made?
Please refer to information in the Current Opportunities link for the two fellowship programs.

Can I get an extension on the application deadline? 
No. Complete applications are due by the deadline. The application mailbox will automatically close at that time.  

Can I apply to more than one Community Engaged Learning Fellowship opportunity?
Yes, however you can only receive one. Be prepared to accept or decline an offer promptly to ensure other students have access to one of these special opportunities. Applicants should be sensitive to the professional expectations of partner organizations and the Dean’s Office when accepting an offer.

What is the review, application, and offer process like?
As these community engaged learning fellowships are awarded by the Office of the Dean, it is important that the applicant is familiar with the process. A committee comprised of faculty from several departments will review applications and select candidates for the partner organization to interview. You will be interviewed by the partner organization, who will identify their top choice candidate(s). The final offer letter will be issued by the Office of the Dean. Students receiving an offer are expected to respond promptly.

I am an MPH student and we have to write a Learning Agreement for our project. Do I need to include that in my application?
No. Your learning agreement will be submitted to your practice course faculty for review and the preceptor at the partner organization will sign off.

Am I eligible to reapply later in my program if I am not successful the first time? 
Yes.

If there are multiple openings for an opportunity, can students apply as a team?
If there is another student you would like to work with, you may indicate that in your cover letter.  However students are selected on an individual basis and you will need to each submit your own application.

If I will be taking a Leave of Absence, can I still apply?
Only applications from students or post-docs who are currently enrolled and planning to be enrolled over the course of their project should apply. If you plan to return to Harvard Chan at a later date, you should apply during that funding cycle.

If I receive a fellowship, how and when will I receive the funding?
You will enroll in the University’s Buy-to-Pay system in order to receive your funds and you will be provided with instructions for enrolling. Students typically receive 75% of the funding up front, with 25% of the funding awarded upon receipt of final report.

Can I do a project in another country even though there are University travel restrictions?
The Harvard Covid-19 Travel Policy currently permits travel to U.S. and international destinations (please review the guidance and limitations in the link).

I need financial support in general. Can this Fellowship be used to support my general financial needs?
Community engaged learning awards are not based on financial need. The Fellowship itself is a community of learners, with reflection and discussion, and it is suitable for students who wish to work on community-identified projects and who will benefit from and contribute to this cohort experience.

Will my funding be taxed?
Funding awards are considered a “non-qualified (taxable) fellowship payment” which would be treated as income to the student. More information is available at: Fellowships and Reimbursements for Students; Fellowship Payments Frequently Asked Questions; Fellowship Payments FAQs.

How does the tax payment work for international and domestic students?
Each student’s tax obligations are different and applicants should include a tax allowance in their budget based on their own situation. For payments, the check that a domestic student receives will be the full amount of their award, and the student is responsible for paying taxes at the appropriate time. In contrast, an international student will have taxes deducted before the check is issued.

If there are some additional, unanticipated expenses while I am in the field, can I apply for additional funding?
No. It is important to discuss projected travel and living expenses with your partner organization as needed. Project expenses (e.g., software, office space, etc.) should be provided by the partner organization.

If my project changes, due to circumstances outside my control, what happens with my funding?
The Fellowship program recognizes that extraordinary circumstances can impact a plan, and in this case, the goal is to work together to find an appropriate alternative plan. Because these projects are developed in partnership with the Field Education and Practice Office, fellows should be in touch with staff to assist with any significant changes.

Will I need to submit receipts?
No. Fellowship awards do not require receipts from funding.