Key Facts
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About
The John F. Kennedy School of Government, commonly known as the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), is Harvard University's graduate school of government, dedicated to public policy, administration, leadership, international affairs, diplomacy, and national security. Established in 1936 as the Graduate School of Public Administration with a significant donation from Lucius Littauer, it was renamed in 1966 to honor President John F. Kennedy following a gift from the Kennedy family, which included $60 million to support fellowship programs and campus construction. The school has evolved into a leading institution for training policymakers and leaders in government and international affairs, offering degrees such as the Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master in Public Administration (MPA), and PhD in Public Policy. Notable alumni include Pete Hegseth, who earned an MPP in 2013. HKS emphasizes the case study method, interdisciplinary research, and practical leadership skills to address global challenges in governance, security, and economic development. With an endowment of approximately $1.7 billion as of 2021, it supports extensive executive education programs, research centers like the Center for Business and Government, and initiatives such as the Institute of Politics, fostering civic engagement and public service.