Harvard College Climate Cohort Program
The Harvard College Climate Cohort, jointly sponsored by the Salata Institute and Harvard College’s First-Year Experience Office, is a 10-week summer program that equips incoming first-year students with a multidisciplinary understanding of climate change and connects them to campus opportunities through peer learning and a culminating research or action project.
Who: Pre-matriculated first-year Harvard College Students
What: Summer learning program on climate, sustainability and the environment
When: 10 Weeks during summer 2026
Where: Virtual – Zoom + Canvas
Summary
The Harvard College Climate Cohort (HCCC) is a free, ten-week, peer-to-peer learning experience that takes place fully online between June and August. The program is designed to prepare incoming Harvard College first-year students to approach climate change through interdisciplinary perspectives. Jointly supported by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the First-Year Experience Office, the program introduces students to core climate themes across science, policy, economics, health, technology, business, and justice. HCCC equips students with the knowledge, community, and resources needed to navigate climate opportunities at Harvard—across academics, co-curricular engagement, research, professional development, and public service—while building a foundation for meaningful climate action during their undergraduate years and beyond.
View the Syllabus from Summer 2025.
Core Features:
- Peer-to-Peer Learning
- Weekly Interdisciplinary Climate Curriculum
- Weekly Guest Speakers Sessions
- Reflection and Skill-Building
- Capstone Project and Symposium
- Building Campus Connections and Community
Program Format
Each summer, participants join their virtual cohort meeting synchronously twice weekly. Sessions are led by current Harvard College students (Rising second or third years) and alternate between seminar-style learning sessions and guest lecture sessions. Once a week featured guest speakers, either academics or practitioners, offer students the chance to engage directly with practitioners and researchers working on today’s most pressing climate challenges. Students complete short, asynchronous weekly readings and reflection assignments, participate in interactive discussions, and receive support through Cohort Leader office hours. All materials—including slides, readings, and assignments—are posted in advance on Canvas to help students prepare for active participation.
Details
- Interdisciplinary Climate Curriculum: Students explore climate topics across science, policy, economics, health, technology, justice, and business—building a broad foundation for future study.
- Guest Speakers Sessions: Weekly guest speakers from academia, industry, and public service provide firsthand insights into cutting-edge research, climate careers, and real-world challenges.
- Reflection and Skill-Building: Readings, reflection assignments, and interactive discussions help students strengthen critical thinking, communication, and climate literacy.
- Connection and Community: Participants learn about academic concentrations, student organizations, research opportunities, internships, and community engagement options available across Harvard all while building community within their cohorts.
- Capstone Project and Symposium: Program participants will pursue a summer research or action project, culminating in an on-campus presentation to members of the Harvard climate community. See Past Project Examples
Program Benefits
- Early Engagement with Climate Topics – Students gain a multidisciplinary understanding of climate, energy, and sustainability issues before arriving on campus.
- Connections and Community – Through small learning teams and social events, students build a strong network of peers, mentors, and Harvard affiliates.
- Hands-On Experience – Students develop and present a personalized research or action project, gaining practical experience and a platform to showcase their work.
| Date/Deadline | Event |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2026 | VISITAS: Salata Open House |
| April 28, 2026 | Application Opens |
| May 17, 2026 at 11:59pm | Application Deadline |
| May 22, 2026 | Application Decisions |
| June 1, 2026 | HCCC Program Starts |
| August 7, 2026 | HCCC Program Ends |
*Week of September 7, 2026 – In Person Symposium
Applicant Qualifications
- Applicants must be an incoming first-year student at Harvard College (Class of 2029).
- Applicants must have access to an internet connection and a device from which to join Zoom meetings.
- No prior knowledge or experience with climate-related topics is required.
- Applications will be evaluated by demonstrated interest in the topics and willingness to engage in required activities.
All Harvard College Class of 2029 students, regardless of prior education or exposure to climate-related topics, are encouraged to apply. The program seeks students who demonstrate broad interests in learning about climate change, engaging with the climate community on campus, and/or who are interested in pursuing climate studies while at Harvard.
Program Requirements
- Students are expected to attend two Zoom sessions per week, one learning and discussion session within small cohorts and one guest speaker event.
- Participants are required to complete reading assignments prior to each session
- Participants are required to complete a culminating personal project.
- Students are required to attend the in-person end-of-summer Project Symposium and present their personal projects.
Applications Requirements
The application includes the following sections:
- Applicant Information: Identifying questions about the applicant
- Interest Statement: 300-500 works outlining your specific interests in joining the HCCC-29
- Resume Upload: (PDF Only) Upload a copy of your resume
- Program Agreements: Acknowledgment of the program expectations and requirements outlined above.
How to Apply
Applications will open on April 28, 2026. Please complete the application below:
Questions? Contact: oona_gaffney@harvard.edu
Who can participate in the Harvard Climate Scholars Summer Program?
The program is designed for pre-matriculated Harvard College students seeking early exposure to climate topics, interdisciplinary learning, and community engagement before beginning their undergraduate studies.
Do I need prior experience in climate or environmental studies?
No prior experience is required. The program welcomes students from all academic backgrounds and interests.
What is the time commitment?
Students attend two weekly virtual sessions, each approximately 1.5 hours. Student must also complete weekly readings, discussion posts, and work on their independent projects. Students can expect to spend 5-6 hours per week.
I’m will be abroad or traveling over the summer, can I still apply?
Yes. The virtual format of the program allows students to join from all over the world. Our team does it’s best to organize live-sessions in a way that accommodates many different time zones.
What kinds of projects do students typically complete?
Projects may involve original research, community engagement, data analysis, policy exploration, or creative communication. Check out the Example Projects. Cohort Leaders help students refine topics and develop a structured plan.
Who teaches and leads the sessions?
Current Harvard undergraduates serve as Cohort Leaders and facilitate weekly learning. Guest speakers—including faculty, researchers, alumni, and industry professionals—join to lead specialized sessions.
How is course material shared?
All weekly materials are posted to Canvas in advance, including readings, slide decks, and reflection prompts.
Is the program graded?
No. The program is enrichment-based and designed for learning, exploration, and connection rather than formal assessment.
Do I receive course credits for participating in the program?
No, the program is not for credit.
Is there an in-person component?
The program is delivered virtually over the summer. Students who complete independent projects are invited to present their work at an in-person symposium on Harvard’s campus in early September.
Program Coordinator
The Salata Institute is hiring a Program Coordinator for our Harvard College Climate Cohort Program (Summer 2026). The application deadline is January 18, 2026. Learn more and apply through the Harvard Student Employment Office’s Job Database. (Job ID: 23137)
This opportunity is currently closed.
Cohort Leaders
The Salata Institute is seeking 2-3 Harvard College Students to serve as Cohort Leaders for our Harvard College Climate Cohort Program (Summer 2026). The part-time opportunities are stipend-based and allow current college students who are passionate about climate and sustainability to connect with and serve as mentors to incoming climate-curious first years (Class of 2030).
Students can learn more & apply on the Student Employment Office’s Job Database (Job ID: 23136) Deadline: February 15, 2026
Questions? Email oona_gaffney@harvard.edu