Program Overview

Program Overview

The Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI) Fellowship is a year-long program at Harvard University, designed for leaders who want to pivot to working in areas of social impact. The program provides an immersive experience in interdisciplinary academic learning, leadership development, and peer-to-peer collaboration.

The Core Course

The ALI core curriculum includes a twice-weekly seminar series, taught by distinguished faculty from around the university. The curriculum is organized around the "Person, Problem, Pathway" framework, with a focus on the person and problem dimensions of social innovation in the fall semester and pathways in the spring semester.

Deep Dives

Deep Dive sessions highlight major global or community challenges, where ALI Fellows can contribute their expertise and knowledge. These sessions are led by outside experts and faculty from across the university, taking an interdisciplinary approach to exploring complex issues.

Course Auditing

ALI Fellows can individualize their experience by auditing available courses across the university, ranging from humanities to science, professional schools to area studies. Course audits are a highly valued part of the program, allowing Fellows to pursue knowledge relevant to their project domains.

Program Experience

During the program year, ALI Fellows develop and refine their plans for their next stage of work, focusing on a concept, program, organization, foundation, or campaign with the potential for significant impact. Fellows are expected to engage with Harvard University's intellectual resources to produce a plan of significance.

Focus on Impact

ALI Fellows work on developing and refining their plans, with the goal of creating a significant impact on a major problem. They are expected to contribute to students and their learning, often through connections made in audited courses.

Work with Students

ALI Fellows contribute to students' learning, providing career guidance, acting as mentors, and inviting them into research efforts. They may also provide employment opportunities, such as paid summer research positions.

Grow Your Network

The cohort experience is a central element of the ALI Fellowship program. Fellows collaborate with peers from distinguished careers, participating in intellectual, social, and cultural events on campus. Ongoing events with past ALI Fellows promote the exchange of ideas and amplify impact.

The Partner Program

The ALI Fellowship is partner-friendly, allowing ALI Fellows to be accompanied by a fully registered ALI Partner, who can participate in all elements of the program. ALI Partners may join Fellows in program activities and audit courses across Harvard.