UCF Junior Joins Harvard Public Policy Conference
Elio Balthazar, a Martinique-born University of Central Florida junior, was one of 49 undergraduates selected for a fully funded Harvard Kennedy School program.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Elio Balthazar, a junior at the University of Central Florida, was selected for Harvard Kennedy School's Public Policy Leadership Conference, held October 29 to November 1 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was one of 49 undergraduates chosen from applicants, with the program accepting 9% of those who applied.
Why it matters
The selection highlights a path for Florida students into graduate-level public policy study and national leadership networks. The program covers flights, lodging, transportation and meals, reducing financial barriers to participation.
The program accepted 9% of applicants and selected 49 undergraduates for the fully funded conference. Harvard Kennedy School covers flights, local transportation, lodging and meals, though the total applicant pool size was not reported.
The players
Harvard Kennedy School
The graduate school of public policy at Harvard University, known for training public servants and policy leaders.
University of Central Florida
A large public research university in Orlando, Florida, home of the Burnett Honors College that Balthazar attended.
The details
Balthazar, born in Fort-de-France, Martinique, spent his first eight years there and three more in the Dominican Republic before attending Valencia College and transferring to UCF's Burnett Honors College. He founded Caribico in 2025, a nonprofit network of Caribbean student organizations now with more than 10 university chapters, and was UCF's only delegate at the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs at West Point.
Timeline
2025: Balthazar founds Caribico, a nonprofit network of Caribbean student organizations.
October 29 to November 1, 2026: Balthazar attends the Harvard Kennedy School conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Civic Engagement Pathways
The Harvard Kennedy School conference connects undergraduates with faculty, graduate students and information on scholarships and fellowships for graduate public policy study. Participation of a Florida student extends this national pipeline to a state university delegate.
Students interested in similar programs can look into Harvard Kennedy School's conference and fellowship information for graduate study. The program's full funding removes flight, lodging and meal costs for selected participants.
The takeaway
Strong academic records and student leadership, such as founding a regional nonprofit network, can open doors to national policy programs. Students at Florida universities should check for fully funded conference opportunities early in their studies.
Further reading
Explore more on Civic Engagement in Florida politics and public policy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South Florida Caribbean News.
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