Data, Social Innovation, and Public Policy
Data is not just about numbers, it’s about lives, choices, and the power to design more just systems. We equip students not just to analyze the world, but to change it, with tools grounded in evidence and guided by purpose.
The Data, Social Innovation, & Public Policy program is a rigorous, interdisciplinary summer experience for undergraduate and graduate students interested in leveraging data to address society’s most pressing challenges, from housing insecurity and public health to environmental justice and workforce equity.
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An evolution of our original Health, Technology, & Society program, this newly reimagined track expands beyond health to reflect the full spectrum of social policy issues where data and innovation play a vital role. Participants engage in immersive coursework, hands-on research, and collaborative policy design alongside faculty from leading academic institutions and practitioners from city governments, multilateral agencies, and mission-driven organizations.
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The 8-week virtual program begins with two weeks of intensive seminars and foundational skill-building. Following this, students take on a real-world policy project in collaboration with the Data-Smart City Solutions program at Harvard University, forming the basis of their final capstone.
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Students may choose from one of two tracks:
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Data Analytics Track:
Apply advanced data tools ranging from GIS and administrative records to real-time digital and sensor data to uncover patterns, design metrics, and surface new insights into social problems.
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Policy Analysis Track:
Evaluate the effectiveness of public programs, analyze the distributional impact of policies, and design new interventions informed by data and research.
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Topics covered during the initial coursework phase include:
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Data, Economics, & Public Policy
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Program Design and Evaluation in the Public Sector
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Research Methods
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Ethics of AI, Technology & Society
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Weekly seminar on Data, Technology, & Society
Throughout the program, students will engage directly with civic leaders, policymakers, and technologists working at the forefront of data-driven governance. Guest speakers and mentoring sessions offer unparalleled access to practitioners across sectors.
Each cohort includes approximately 15 participants. Students demonstrating exceptional commitment to research may be invited to continue their projects beyond the summer under faculty supervision.
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Whether you aim to become a policymaker, civic technologist, or researcher, this program offers a rare opportunity to shape real-world solutions at the intersection of data, innovation, and public purpose.
Summer 2026 Applications will open in November
Hear from our previous participants
Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideally suited for undergraduate and graduate students who:
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Are eager to apply data-driven approaches to real societal issues—such as housing insecurity, public health, environmental justice, or workforce equity.
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Want to gain hands-on experience in designing evidence-based policy interventions through interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Seek to advance their analytical and policy-making skills via immersive coursework combined with real-world project experience.
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Are motivated to work with faculty, practitioners, and organizations to transition from theoretical understanding to applied policy solutions.
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Value a rigorous and purposeful academic experience that bridges innovation, data, and impact.
Why Enroll
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Interdisciplinary Expertise: Participate in an immersive 8-week program that blends advanced data analytics, social innovation, and public policy design.
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Hands-On Policy Project: Real-world policy project through the Data-Smart City Solutions initiative at Harvard University, culminating in a capstone project and publication.
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Guidance from Leading Scholars & Practitioners: Learn alongside faculty from top academic institutions and active professionals from city governments, multilateral agencies, and mission-driven organizations.
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Broadened Perspective: Originally focused on health and technology, the program has evolved to encompass multiple dimensions of social policy—expanding your policy literacy and impact potential.
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Career & Academic Advancement: Gain advanced skills in data-informed policy design, build a compelling portfolio with tangible outcomes, and position yourself for impactful roles in research, civic innovation, or public leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
This summer program is open to enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in data-informed policy and social innovation.
What is the structure of the program?
Weeks 1–2: Intensive virtual seminars and skill-building in areas like data analysis, policy design, and social innovation.
Weeks 3–8: Students work in teams on a real-world policy project in partnership with Harvard’s Data-Smart City Solutions, culminating in a capstone presentation and publication.
What kinds of projects are involved?
Students tackle genuine challenges such as housing insecurity, public health disparities, environmental justice, or workforce equity, creating data-driven, actionable policy designs in collaboration with practitioners. See an example of students' work here.
Who will mentor or teach during the program?
Instruction and mentorship come from a blend of faculty from The Public Innovation Institute and their affiliated academic institutions (Harvard, MIT, UT), practitioners from city governments, multilateral agencies, and mission-led organizations—all offering real-world perspectives
Is prior experience required?
The program emphasizes growth, so you should bring curiosity, motivation, and a readiness to learn. Basic familiarity with data analysis, economics, and public policy is helpful but not mandatory. Writing and communications experience is strongly preferred.
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How will this benefit my academic or career trajectory?
You'll complete the program with:
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A professional-level, real-world policy publication
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Interdisciplinary training that enhances research or civic-oriented career paths.
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A standout portfolio element—and potential networking connections—that strengthen graduate school or policy sector applications.
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A certificate of achievement
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What is the cost of this program?
The summer program in Data, Social Innovation, and Public Policy is free
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What is the structure of the program?
In the first two weeks of the program, students meet daily (Monday through Friday) in two virtual sessions: the morning session is 1.5 hours which includes foundational lectures. The afternoon session is one hour and involves policy exercises and activities building on the morning sessions. This structure allows for flexibility and enables program participants to also participate in external internships.
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Following the two week coursework period and for the next six weeks, students will work in teams and decide on their own team meeting cadence. There are weekly meetings with the Data-Smart City Solutions team (decided with the cohort) and Friday seminars with the institute, where teams will share on progress of their policy projects and the cohort collectively workshop any challenges.
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How can I apply to the program?
Applications for the 2026 summer cohort will open in November, 2025