HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government (KSG) recently announced the establishment of the Kistefos Public Service Fellowship. The fellowship will be funded through a donation of more than $1 million from Kistefos AS, one of Norway’s leading privately owned investment companies.

The objective of the fellowship is to further the development of a professional class of public leaders who will contribute to efficient and effective government and help leverage the public stewardship of national wealth in Norway. The funding will support at least two students per year at KSG through the 2012-13 academic year.

“The Kennedy School prides itself as being the most international school at Harvard whose student body spans cultures, sectors, and disciplines,” said David T. Ellwood, dean of the School. “The Kistefos Public Service Fellowship will only further our mission to train public leaders who are seeking to work for the public good in countries throughout the world.”

“John F. Kennedy School of Government is recognized as one of the world’s leading education institutions for public leadership. With the significant Norwegian public sector, it is important that our public leader candidates have access to the world’s best knowledge environment,” said Christen Sveaas, chairman of Kistefos AS.

Qualified individuals from Norway are encouraged to apply for the Kistefos Fellowship. Consideration will be given to the candidates’ capacity to lead, commitment to improving governance, academic proficiency, professional experience, leadership potential, and potential to make a significant, positive difference when they return to their country. Former and future graduates of the Oslo Handelsgymnasium (Oslo School of Business & Economics) are especially encouraged to apply.

The Kistefos Public Service Fellowship Fund will support student tuition, fees, and a stipend for living expenses. Candidates who accept the fellowship will be required to sign a letter of commitment to serve their home country in a public service capacity for at least three years following graduation.