GET INVOLVED
COMP THE COOP
GET ON BOARD
WHY JOIN?
The COOP is an independent cooperative, governed by a Board of Directors made up of 50% students and 50% faculty and alumni. Together, they guide The COOP’s future and keep the spirit of collaboration with the institution alive. As a Harvard or MIT student, you have a unique opportunity to sit on this board.
This is a distinctive, resume-defining opportunity to work with professionals, build connections across Harvard and MIT, and lead with purpose.
December 1
Applications Launch
February/March
Board Meet & Greet + Info Sessions
March 31
Applications Due at 11:59pm
April
Group Interviews + Social
Week of April 12
Individual Interviews
April 30
Final Decisions Announced
FAQs
The Board consists of 23 members: 11 students; 11 faculty, staff, or alumni of Harvard/MIT; and the CEO of the COOP.
The Board is the principal governing and policymaking body of the COOP. The Board functions in the same way as the board of directors of any other corporation; it is responsible for establishing the policies which guide the COOP's operations and for making all significant decisions that affect the COOP. The Board considers issues such as the COOP's plans and objectives; opening, remodeling or closing stores; establishing employee benefit policies; making major equipment acquisitions, etc. The Board is not involved in day-to-day operational matters such as the establishment of prices for individual items. Decisions in these areas are delegated to the CEO and their staff who are responsible to the Board.
- Unparalleled exposure to business governance and executive-level decision-making
- Hands-on experience with financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership
- A rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on campus life
- A distinctive, resume-defining role that demonstrates leadership, analytical thinking, and collaboration
- Monetary stipend provided in recognition of time and contributions.
Participate in “Comp the COOP,” including submitting a written application, attending an applicant social, and participating in interviews. Select students are nominated by the Nominating Committee for election by the Board of Directors.
Any full-time, enrolled and registered undergraduate or graduate student of Harvard or MIT who is at least 18 years of age and will be a degree candidate during the year for which a term as a director is sought.
Applicants submit a written application by the posted deadline along with the required attachments. The Nominating Committee conducts a preliminary review of applications and contacts eligible candidates to invite them to attend an applicant social and group interview session. Select applicants from the group interview session are then invited for an individual interview. The Committee also considers all students who are currently serving on the Board and are eligible for re-election and wish to serve for another term. The slate of 11 nominees brought forward for election by the Board of Directors will have the following minimal institutional representation: 2 shall be Harvard undergraduates, 2 shall be graduate students of Harvard University and 2 shall be undergraduate or graduate students of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Board meets approximately six times, each time for about two and a half hours, during the academic year. The Board has several committees on which interested and qualified directors, student and non-student, are appointed to serve by the Chair. These committees meet more frequently in between full Board meetings. Committees include: Executive, Finance, Audit, Student Comp, Event & Experience, and Retail.
There are no differences in the responsibilities of the student and non-student directors. According to COOP by-laws, all directors have the same responsibilities and equal voice in the affairs of the COOP.
COOP AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
BECOME A COOP AMBASSADOR!
COOP Ambassadors help drive new ideas, expand our brand’s reach and relevance, and build meaningful connections within our community.
Ambassadors participate in various opportunities based on their interests, including: community engagement, content creation, photoshoots, COOP innovation, campus outreach, and more.
In return for participating in these initiatives, ambassadors get access to a growing community of students & creatives and receive perks like:
- Exclusive merch
- Exclusive ambassador gatherings
- First access to events, collections, campaigns, and product launches
- Opportunities to collaborate on content, events, and products
- Potential paid project opportunities
If you’re a creative Harvard or MIT student who is interested in storytelling, innovation, and brand & community-building, please apply!
We review and accept applications on a rolling basis. If you’re a good fit, you’ll hear back from us soon!
CALLING ON CREATIVE MINDS FROM HARVARD AND MIT!
T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST
THE COOP’S ANNUAL T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST IS NOW LIVE!
CLASS OF 2027 SUBMISSIONS
Submit a design that captures the unique spirit of this year’s graduating class. This is your chance to create an iconic design that celebrates this milestone achievement!
FOUR WINNERS will be selected: one undergraduate and one graduate student from both Harvard and MIT. Winners receive a $500 cash prize and a t-shirt featuring your design and a spotlight feature across COOP social media platforms and website.
FOUR FINALISTS will receive a $100 cash prize and special recognition on the COOP's social media platforms.
NON-GRADUATING STUDENT SUBMISSIONS
Create a bold, memorable design that speaks to your Harvard or MIT experience.
FOUR WINNERS will be selected: one from both Harvard and MIT. Winners receive a $500 cash prize and a t-shirt featuring your design and a spotlight feature across COOP social media platforms and website.
FOUR FINALISTS will receive a $100 cash prize and special recognition on the COOP's social media platforms.
December 31
Submissions Due
January 8
Winners & Finalists Notified
January 24
Order your shirt by this date to pick up at COOPfest. Orders placed after this date will be shipped.
March 5
Shirt pickup at COOPfest
SPOTLIGHT AT THE COOP
APPLY TO BE FEATURED AT THE COOP STUDENT SHOWCASE!
Harvard & MIT students: are you working on a creative or innovative project or product? Apply to showcase your work at our annual Spotlight event!
Selected projects will be featured in-store at our live one-day showcase – with the potential for extended display or future collaboration opportunities. Sell or show off your work at the COOP!
December 1
Applications Launch
March 31
Applications Due
April 9
Project Setup + Sneak Peek at COOP After Hours Event (optional)
April 10
Spotlight at the COOP Event