The Mindich Program in Engaged Scholarship: Fostering Public Service at Harvard
Harvard University, an institution that champions public service, offers various programs aimed at integrating civic engagement into the undergraduate experience. Among these initiatives, the Mindich Program in Engaged Scholarship stands out as a unique approach to bridge academic study with real-world impact. While Harvard faces challenges in encouraging students to prioritize public service amidst pre-professional pressures and funding shortfalls, the Mindich Program seeks to cultivate a culture of humility, caring, and service to others.
The Allure and Reality of Public Service at Harvard
Ben A. Abbott ’28, like many incoming students, arrived at Harvard with a strong passion for public service, shaped by his extensive volunteer work in high school. He anticipated a campus where civic action was integral to the undergraduate experience. However, he soon realized that many students prioritize pre-professional pursuits, such as finance, consulting, and tech, over public service. This observation aligns with statistics indicating that a significant percentage of Harvard graduates pursue careers in these sectors, while a smaller percentage enters the nonprofit or public service sector.
Ife A. Adedokun ’25, the former chair of Harvard CIVICS, echoed this sentiment, noting the pressure students feel to prioritize making money. Despite the existence of over 400 student organizations at Harvard, many students gravitate towards pre-professional clubs, such as consulting groups, rather than public service organizations.
Integrating Public Service into the Curriculum
Recognizing the need to better integrate public service into the academic experience, Harvard has launched several initiatives. Travis Lovett, assistant dean of civic engagement and service at the College, emphasizes the importance of creating deliberate paths for students who want to engage in civic work at a high level.
The Mindich Program in Engaged Scholarship and the newly introduced Certificate of Civic Engagement are examples of such efforts. These programs aim to incorporate public service components into undergraduate curricula, encouraging students to connect their academic learning with real-world issues. The College launched a Certificate for Civic Engagement in March as an incentive for students to explore the connection between public service and academic study. To receive the certificate, students must complete 12 credits, including one Mindich course, that “focus on a compelling real-world issue or set of issues,” the criteria of which is determined by the Educational Policy Committee. Kohn ’26, another member of the Mindich SAC.
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Harvard’s Global Day of Service has also engaged thousands of students in day-long service activities since 2019. Additionally, the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship’s SPARK program subsidizes incoming freshmen with a $2,000 stipend to organize a service project in their hometown, encouraging reflection and discussion among participants.
The Mindich Program: A Deeper Dive
Flavia C. Perea, the director of the Mindich Program in Engaged Scholarship, emphasizes that public service binds the Harvard community together. The program focuses on creating conditions to support faculty, develop students, and nurture an institution that centers humility, caring for others, and doing good for the world.
Mindich courses are designed to address compelling real-world issues, encouraging students to apply their academic knowledge beyond the classroom. These courses often involve collaboration with community partners, providing students with opportunities to make a tangible impact. As Perea stated, the goal is to move beyond theoretical papers and engage in work that directly benefits the community.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these efforts, challenges remain in promoting public service at Harvard. Students often feel pressured to select courses that narrowly align with their professional goals, making it difficult to fit Mindich courses into their schedules. As Kohn noted, Mindich classes are popular among first years who haven’t yet declared, but upper-year students may find it challenging to incorporate them due to existing requirements. Kingsbury Lee said that he feel pressured into selecting courses that narrowly align with their professional goals.
Furthermore, public service initiatives often face funding shortfalls. Cody A. Vasquez ’25, the president of the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA), noted that the organization has been operating with a deficit and has had to draw from its reserves. Audrey Yang ’27, PBHA treasurer, stated that last year’s deficit was around $400,000, and this year’s deficit is approximately $200,000. Vasquez is working with the Center for Public Service to encourage alumni and major donors to contribute to PBHA’s funding.
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The University’s own Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship also faces financial struggles. Their SPARK program, launched in 2019 with $1 million in funds, has exhausted its initial funding and is currently seeking a donor. Samantha “Sam” Levin, the program’s director, emphasized the importance of securing funding to support the program’s activities. Lovett added that the current bridge funding for SPARK is $200,000 a year, which will last until the summer of 2026.
The Future of Public Service at Harvard
Despite these challenges, Harvard is exploring ways to expand its public service-facing academic opportunities. A 2022 proposal by Julie A. Reuben, Faculty Director of the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship, suggests remodeling the center and creating a new FAS-wide academic center called the “Center for Public Engagement.” This center would encompass expanded research and academic offerings related to public service.
While discussions for the new center were put on hold, they have recently resumed. It remains to be seen what aspects of the 2022 proposal will be implemented.
Ben A. Abbott believes that with enough direction from the administration and effort from PBHA, Harvard can be the place where students’ passion for service begins. By breaking down barriers and fostering an environment that values public service, Harvard can unlock students’ enthusiasm for making a difference in the world.
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