How to Apply for the Hart Fellowship
Applications for the 2026-2027 Hart Fellowship are now closed. Decisions will be announced in March.
Hart Fellowship Application Process
1
Attend Office Hours and/or Info Session
The best way to learn more about the Hart Fellowship is to attend an information session. During this session, students learn more about the history and structure of the program as well as the application process. There is also be an opportunity to ask additional questions about the Hart Fellowship.
A recording of the most recent in-person information session can be viewed below.
Students with specific questions about their own projects, passions, or ideas for the application are invited to schedule in-person office hours beginning in August with Lee, the Hart Fellowship Program Coordinator. During these office hours, Lee will invite you to think boldly about how you might envision your own Hart Fellowship experience. Click here to schedule office hours.
2
Apply Online
The Hart Fellowship application asks applicants to write thoughtfully and concisely about their civic interests, past service and research experiences, and approach to community engagement.
The application also requests copies of applicants official transcripts along with a letter of recommendation and a recent resume. These requests will be submitted directly to the Hart Fellowship inbox.
Current Duke and DKU graduating seniors and recent graduates (class of 2024 and 2025) were eligible to apply for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Applications for 2026-2027 are now closed.
Applications for 2027-2028 will open in Fall 2026.
3
Interview and Orientation
Once applications are received and reviewed, a small group of finalists from the applicant pool will be invited to interview with the committee over Zoom. This interview serves as an opportunity for the selection committee to learn more about the finalist's proposed community partner and project.
From this group of finalists, a new cohort of Hart Fellows will be selected in early March.
After graduation, the new Hart Fellows will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation week. This orientation supports Hart Fellows in crafting their fellowship experiences and prepares them for their launch in the field while building community among the new cohort and the support team. The orientation for the 2026-2027 cohort will be held the week after commencement and applicants should hold these dates in case of admission into the program.
What Should I Know About the Application?
1
Essay Questions
The Hart Fellowship application includes a number of short response essay prompts inviting applicants to reflect on their research curiosities, past community engagement experiences, and goals for leadership growth.
2
Documents to Submit
In addition to submitting their essay question responses, applicants must also submit three supplemental materials along with their application.
1. Resume;
2. Official Transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended;
3. Letter of Recommendation from a professor or supervisor who knows you well.
3
A Note on AI
The use of generative AI is not permitted in the completion of the application. The Hart Fellowship is a writing fellowship as much as it is focused on research and service. The ability to critically self-reflect and explain one's ideas, passions, and learning goals without the aid of AI is essential to complete the Fellowship. As such, use of generative AI in the application will disqualify applicants from evaluation. All answers are run through an AI-checker and any deemed to have violated this policy are set aside and not considered.