Harvard College is launching a new program that will allow first-year students who exhibit a significant commitment to public service in their hometown communities to receive a stipend in return.
Under the Service Starts with Summer Program (3SP), announced last week at the annual Visitas festivities, student participants will have to commit 100 hours to a community service project over at least five weeks in their hometowns.
Upon successfully completing their service, the students will be awarded a $1,500 stipend. The program, led by civically minded faculty, staff, and student leaders, will also allow students to explore more public service opportunities at Harvard.
“This is an opportunity for students to contribute to their home community while creating connections with their new community here at Harvard at the same time,” Sheila Thimba, interim dean of public service, said.
Throughout the program, students will have access to both personal and professional development resources from the Harvard community to learn how to solve social problems.
University president Larry Bacow praised the program and shared his optimism that it could introduce new public-service opportunities to interested students.
“Harvard College admits individuals of extraordinary talent and promise, and I am delighted that members of the Class of 2023 will have the opportunity to serve their home communities before starting their Harvard education,” Bacow said.
“We hope they will discover their own potential to work with others to strengthen their communities and make a difference in the world — powerful lessons that will shape their perspectives as well as their aspirations,” he added.
Applications for the program will be accepted through May 31, 2019.