“We are certainly breaking new ground,” Shabecoff said. “Yes, it’s a challenge, but we have a pretty good brain trust.”

The application process will involve more work on the students’ part, Shabecoff said. For instance, students requesting larger grants may be asked to submit letters of recommendation or detailed business plans for their venture.

But the “more onerous” process may deter students from applying to the new program, said Brian T. Aune, president of the Law School’s student government.

Khazei, who founded the urban public service program City Year, said that he expects similar programs to emerge across the country, as other institutions build on Harvard’s model.

“Five years from now, we’ll see this program replicated at schools across the country,” Khazei said.

—Staff writer Elias J. Groll can be reached at egroll@fas.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Zoe A. Y. Weinberg can be reached at zoe.weinberg@college.edu.