Alex G. Booth Fellowship
Application Deadline: February 19, 2026
The Booth Fellowship helps to defray the cost of travel and associated project expenses for an experience related to an intellectual field of interest. Eligible projects may be academic in nature (enrollment in an academic program or research) or may allow for learning in a less academic setting (an internship, service project, or travel experience). The Fellowship will not fund proposals for degrees.
Proposals may be for any length of time up to 12 months, in any location domestic or international, within GSS guidelines.
- Graduating Harvard College senior
- Any citizenship/residency status may apply
Stipend based on proposed budget and funding availability
Applications for this opportunity are assessed on the following metrics:
- Proposed project: definition of activities, candidate’s unique role
- Project logistics: feasibility, sensibility, safety, affiliation
- Background and preparation: pre-requisite physical, interpersonal, academic, or language skills
- Character: initiative-taking, inquisitiveness, courage, eagerness to broaden horizons
- Recommendation letter: academic preparation, inquisitiveness, initiative, project feasibility
Applications are read by staff and faculty selection committee. In late March, approximately 20 finalists are selected to interview. Interviews are conducted asynchronously in early April. Awards are announced shortly thereafter.
The application consists of a few parts that you will complete and upload within or solicit via the application system. All items are due by our deadline, including letter(s).
1. Online Application Form, Provide basic information about yourself (background, major, interests, etc.).
2. Budget + Budget Narrative
- List all anticipated project expenses (e.g., travel, accommodations, food, visas, health insurance, supplies, research access fees, tuition).
- Include a brief budget narrative (maximum one page) explaining these expenses.
3. Proposal. Submit a statement (up to 1,000 words) explaining why you are seeking this fellowship and how you plan to use it.
4. Letter of Recommendation
- One letter addressing the suitability of your project and relevant skills or qualities.
- The recommender does not need to be a faculty member—choose someone best positioned to evaluate your project and abilities.
- The letter should be addressed to The Booth Fellowship Selection Committee.
- Request the upload directly through the portal via the Request section; the letter is due by the application deadline.
5. [Optional] Affiliation Letter. If your project involves an established organization, include a letter confirming your affiliation. It should outline:
- Basic information about the organization
- Your responsibilities, expected hours, compensation (if any), and project duration
- Request the upload directly through the portal via the Request section; the letter is due by the application deadline.
6. Résumé. A one-page résumé highlighting significant activities, achievements, and experiences that reflect your interests and values. Include extracurriculars and hobbies.
7. Transcript. Upload an unofficial transcript from my.harvard.edu that includes your fall grades and spring course registration.
URAF recommends that applicants heavily research the logistics of their proposed activities. Applicants are encouraged to visit URAF to read reports from previous fellows to get an idea of the variety of projects that are eligible for funding. Projects over 12 months will not be considered.
Information Session
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM | Sever Hall 103
URAF staff are available for drop-in advising and for one-on-one appointments after students have watched the information session and joined us for one drop-in session.