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How many hours to I have to work to receive the IOP Stipend?
Students should work full-time (35-40 hours/week) for at least 8 weeks in the summer or part-time (20-25 hours/week) for at least 14 weeks.   If a student is working on a political campaign for a period of time shorter than 8 weeks, but will put in the equivalent of 8 weeks full-time work with longer hours, s/he must have her/his schedule confirmed by a supervisor upon application.

How long will it take to get my check?
The turnaround time for the checks is usually around 3 weeks. Due to increased activity at the end of the fiscal year (June) in the Financial Office, it can sometimes take longer. We encourage all students to have their checks sent to an off campus address (Legal Home Address), to ensure that someone can receive it.

Can I pick my check up?
Unfortunately, all checks have to be mailed to a campus or home address. Direct Deposit is also unavailable at this time.

How is the employer covered if I get injured on the job at my internship?
Per the office of Risk Management at Harvard, any liability claims would go through the internship placement because the injury/accident happened on their property. If the issue is a matter of health, the IOP Stipend recipient would be covered under Harvard Health Insurance or the student’s parents insurance.

If I am on leave this academic year, am I eligible for an IOP Summer Stipend?
As long as you would be considered an Active Student, and can provide written proof from the Registrar's or Dean of Students Office to show that you have re-enrolled for the Fall semester, then you are eligible to apply.

Can I work outside the U.S. and receive an IOP Stipend?
The IOP has a limited amount of funding available for undergrads to accept unpaid positions in political or public service offices abroad, including with the U.S. State Department.

Can I receive an IOP Stipend, in addition to receiving an IOP Director's Internship?
No.

Are graduating seniors eligible?
No.

I received an IOP Stipend last year.  Can I apply again this year?
Students who have received one previous IOP Stipend or a Director's Internship are eligible to apply for an IOP Stipend.  However, preference is given to those students who have not previously received funding from the IOP.  If a student has received two previous IOP Stipends or an IOP Stipend and Director's Internship, they are ineligible to apply for a third IOP Stipend.

What kind of internship qualifies for an IOP Stipend?
Any low-paying or non-paying political or public service internship is eligible for an IOP Stipend.  Please see our list of previous IOP Summer Stipend recipient locations for examples of eligible internship ideas.  If you have a question regarding the eligibility of your internship, please send us an email.

Do I have to be receiving financial aid in order to receive an IOP Stipend?
No.  While preference is given to those with the greatest financial need, students who do not receive financial aid are eligible for an IOP Stipend.

Once I have submitted my application, how long before I know if I have received an IOP Stipend?
We do NOT consider applications on a rolling basis.  Therefore, once the application deadline has passed, we try to notify all applicants within two weeks if they will be receiving a stipend.

I have been offered multiple internships but have not decided which one I will accept.  Can I apply for an IOP Stipend for the internships that qualify and then decide later?
Yes.  When applying, you should apply for the internship you are most likely to accept.  If you want more than one internship to be considered, you must submit an essay and confirmation letter for each internship.  You will receive funding for only ONE internship.  If you choose an internship that does not fall within the auspices of the IOP Stipend Program, you must notify us immediately of your decision.


Please email IOP_Internships@ksg.harvard.edu with any questions.

Apply for IOP Summer Stipends.