Programs & Services

Tackle complex, real-world challenges working alongside expert practitioners in the community. Use your skills to make changes for the social and environmental issues that matter most to you.

The PKG Center can help you build a better world while you’re at MIT, with public service programs and projects in Greater Boston, across the US, and around the world.

We offer programs that:

  • Fit your schedule (most take place over IAP, summer, or spring break)
  • Won’t break the bank (all PKG programs are free for MIT students and some even provide stipends or grants)
  • Are meaningful to you and to the community

Check out our programs below, and stop by our office (on the 5th floor of W20) to chat with our friendly PKG staff!

Social Innovation Exploration (SIE) FPOP: SIE welcomes first year students into the social innovation and entrepreneurship community while introducing the MIT PKG Public Service Center as the entryway to public service and meaningful social change. 

IDEAS Social Innovation Challenge: Join or form a team and apply for grants from $1,000 to $20,000 for your social innovation or venture! Fine-tune your idea with targeted feedback and coaching from industry experts.

PKG Fellowships: Spend your summer or IAP doing immersive social change, globally or locally. Funding can support student-developed projects and community-engaged research, non-profit or public sector internships, and more.

PKG IAP: Healthcare: Get real-world experience in the healthcare sector working full-time at Boston Medical Center. Support staff research, create resources for patients and families, and participate in staff meetings and grand rounds.

Boston Summer of Service (BSOS) formerly SILL: Are you a changemaker planning on working in the Boston area this summer? If you plan to intern, do research that has a focus on social impact, or are involved in a Fellowship, consider living in community with fellow changemakers in MIT campus housing.

Social Impact Internships and Employment: Explore modes of social change, apply your studies to “real-world” challenges, and strengthen your network and resume through jobs and paid internships while working at a nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or social enterprises.

Indigenous Communities Internships (ICI): Through the Indigenous Communities Internship, a one-month in-person and virtual program, you will work closely with Indigenous innovators in the US to support the growth and efficacy of their social enterprises.

You can also download our one-pager to see all of our programs at a glance:

Photo: PKG Programs and Services