Lester Kissel Summer Grants
Harvard College first years, sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply for a Lester Kissel Grant in Practical Ethics to support research and writing that contributes to the understanding of practical ethics. A number of grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects to be conducted during the summer of 2026. The projects may involve research for senior theses, case studies for use in courses, essays or articles for publication, or similar scholarly endeavors that explore issues in practical ethics.
The grant will provide the recipient with an award ranging from $500 to $3000, depending on the scope of the project and the estimated related expenses. Funds may be used to cover the project's expenses or, alternatively, as a stipend to enable recipients to pursue research in lieu of summer employment.
Please note that if the proposal includes travel, applicants must demonstrate that it will be conducted in compliance with all University guidance on student travel.
Please note: The Harvard College Summer Funding Policy states that students can only accept funding for one Harvard-funded opportunity per summer. If you accept this award, your commitment is binding. You will automatically be removed from consideration for other Harvard-funded opportunities for summer.
Applications for Summer 2026 funding have closed and will re-open for Summer 2027 funding in January 2027.
The Kissel Grants in Practical Ethics are made possible by a gift from the late Lester Kissel, a graduate of Harvard Law School and longtime benefactor of Harvard's ethics programs.