Our Program
We have a comprehensive and holistic program focusing on multiple forms of mentorship and teaching that will ensure your success!
Our scholars have explored a diverse range of topics across the world from the effectiveness of US pay transparency laws in reducing gender pay gap to the regime influence on poverty reduction in China, all of which were researched in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Our curriculum is delivered through several forms of instruction. Tutorials, Workshops, Seminars and 1-on-1 meetings teach:
Introduction to Social Science Research
Finding Academic Sources and Databases
Following APA Format & Citations
Forming a Research Question & Thesis Statement
Paper Structure & Outline
Academic Writing Principles
Drafting:
Introduction & Background
Research Findings & Analysis
Abstract, Conclusion & Formatting
Oral Presentation & Defense
We use a project management tool called Notion to guide students through the program and track their progress.
Curriculum materials, events, seminars, workshops, mentor meetings, assignments and other resources are all organized into individual research trackers to help our scholars stay on track.
Our Notion Page
Join our close-knit community of students via the Slack desktop/mobile app as well as virtually hosted socials!
The program culminates in the finished final paper and the Alpha Scholars Convention where students present and defend their research that will be judged by members of the Harvard IRC and other topic experts! Students’ papers and presentations are judged on content, delivery, organization, completeness, mechanics, documentation, and interactions.
Upon completion of the program, students receive official Alpha Scholars transcripts. Students that achieve a minimum B- grade receive a Certificate of Commendation from the Harvard International Relations Council. Students that achieve a B+ grade or higher receive medals from the Harvard International Review, and Gold and Silver medal winners get their final papers linked on the Harvard International Review website!
Check out publications on the HIR website from previous cohorts:
