Application Now Open For Harvard Summer Internship Program 2026 | Fully Paid | Apply Before February 1, 2026

The Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at the prestigious Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is inviting applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Program. This is a rare, paid opportunity to train with world-class researchers at the intersection of physical, social, and mental health.

The Center’s mission is to build a rigorous science of positive health, happiness, and well-being with a focus on health equity. Unlike clinical internships, this program focuses on the science of happiness—translating research into policy and practice. If you are interested in questions like "How does social media affect adolescent loneliness?" or "How do working conditions affect mental well-being?", this is the perfect program for you.

Role & Responsibilities

Interns are placed with Center researchers or Science Affiliates. You will serve in a Research Assistant capacity.

Key Duties

• Data Work: Collect and/or analyze data related to ongoing research projects.
• Research Support: Assist with literature reviews and grant writing.
• Knowledge Management: Help develop repositories of information.
• Final Deliverables: At the end of the summer, you must give a 10-minute presentation and submit a brief (2-page) report summarizing your work.

Mentorship

The program includes weekly meetings and events to provide a sense of community. You will receive mentorship not just on your specific project, but on professional development within the field of public health.

Logistics: Dates & Location

• Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, August 14, 2026.
• Hours: 20 hours per week (Part-time intensity, allowing for deep focus).
• Location: In-person at the Kresge Building, Boston, MA.
• Housing: Harvard does not subsidize costs related to relocation or accommodation. Interns must find their own housing in Boston.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The eligibility rules for this program are specific regarding academic status.

1. Student Status

• Enrollment: You must be enrolled in a full-time program at an American college or university at the time of application AND in the Fall of 2026.
• Undergraduates: Open to Rising Seniors ONLY (Students finishing their Junior year in Spring 2026).
• Graduates: Open to Masters and Doctoral level students.
• Institution: Open to both Harvard and Non-Harvard students.

2. International Students

• Must have valid CPT/OPT authorization by April 1st, 2026.
• Must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or have already applied for one.

3. Background

• Prior research experience is helpful but not required.
• Must have a strong interest in the Center's mission (positive health, well-being, health equity).

Application Requirements

To apply, you must submit the following via the online form:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Academic Transcript: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable if up to date.
3. Statement of Research/Academic Experience: Max 200 words.
4. Statement of Interest: Max 250 words.

*Note: A Letter of Recommendation is ONLY required if you move to the interview stage. Do not submit one initially.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I do this remotely?
A: No. The internship is fully in-person in Boston.

Q: I am a Freshman/Sophomore/Junior. Can I apply?
A: No. Undergraduate applicants must be Rising Seniors (graduating Spring 2027) or Seniors graduating Spring 2026 who are starting a Grad program in Fall 2026.

Q: When will I hear back?
A: Final offer letters are planned for mid-late April 2026.

How to Apply

Applications close on Sunday, February 1st, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.

Apply Here (Official Qualtrics Form)

View Program Details