Program Description:

The Harvard College Climate Cohort is a 10-week, peer-to-peer learning program that prepares incoming Harvard College first-year students to engage with contemporary issues related to climate change. Jointly supported by the Salata Institute and Harvard College’s First-Year Experience Office, students will spend the summer learning about climate change through a diverse set of disciplinary lenses, including the sciences, policy, health, and technology. The program also exposes students to climate-related opportunities on campus, preparing participants to engage through different climate pathways upon their arrival in the fall. Students will explore climate-related opportunities across academics, co-curriculars, research, professional development, and volunteer work at Harvard University. The program culminates in a personal research project that will be presented to the Harvard community at an on-campus symposium in early September.

Program Features

Students are placed into small cohort “learning teams” that meet virtually twice a week to explore a range of topics related to climate, energy, and sustainability. These sessions are led by current Harvard students and often include guest speakers, giving participants the chance to engage directly with real-world practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.

The program also hosts biweekly virtual social events, helping students build a strong network of peers before arriving on campus.

Alongside weekly discussions, students will spend the summer developing a personal research or action project on a climate-related topic they’re passionate about. With guidance from cohort leaders and program facilitators, students will shape their ideas into a final project. These projects will be presented to the Harvard community at an on-campus symposium in early September.

Timeline

Program duration: 10 weeks

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.

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.

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.

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.

Applications Requirements

1. Applicant Information: Identifying questions about the applicant
2. Interest Statement: 300-500 works outlining your specific interests in joining the HCCC-29
3. Resume Upload: (PDF Only) Upload a copy of your resume
4. Program Agreements: Acknowledgment of the program expectations and requirements outlined above.

How to Apply

Applications will open on May 1, 2025. Please complete the program interest form to receive updates, reminders, and notifications of the application process:

Deadline: Applications due May 16, 2025 at 11:59pm

Questions? Contact: lduncan@college.harvard.edu