You know that saying, “Leaders aren’t born, they’re made”? Well, Kamala Harris is a perfect example of that. She didn’t just wake up one day as Vice President—her education and experiences played a huge role in getting her there.
Kamala’s educational journey is just as inspiring as her groundbreaking political career. From her time at one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges to law school in California, her education set the stage for her rise to the Vice Presidency.
So let’s break it all down: where Kamala Harris went to college, what she studied, and how it all shaped the leader we know today.
- What College Did Kamala Harris Go To?
- Where Did Kamala Harris Go after College?
- Where Did Kamala Harris Go before College?
- Kamala Harris’ Work History
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What College Did Kamala Harris Go To?
So, where did Kamala Harris go to college? The answer is Howard University in Washington, D.C. Howard University is one of the most well-known historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the country.
Kamala graduated from Howard in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics. She has often called her time at Howard one of the most formative periods of her life. Howard is a place that celebrates Black culture, history, and excellence. For Kamala, being surrounded by students and professors who looked like her and shared her ambitions was empowering.
Kamala had multiple affiliations. She joined the debate team, was elected to the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council as a freshman representative, and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the oldest Black sorority in the U.S.
Kamala once said Howard taught her how to “speak up and speak out.” It’s clear those skills have stuck with her. Whether she’s on the Senate floor or campaigning for justice, you can see how Kamala Harris is influenced by where she went to college.
What are HBCUs?
If you’ve been asking where Kamala Harris went to college, it’s important to understand the kind of school she attended. Howard University is an HBCU, which stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools were originally created to give Black students a chance to get a higher education back when most colleges wouldn’t admit them.
But HBCUs are so much more than that. They’re places where culture, community, and leadership come together. They’ve produced so many incredible leaders, including Kamala Harris. Her time at Howard, one of the top HBCUs, gave her the confidence and skills to take on the world. Where Kamala Harris went to college is a big part of how she became the pioneer we know today.
Where Did Kamala Harris Go after College?
So, after college at Howard, where did Kamala Harris go for her law degree? Kamala went to the UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, California (now called UC Law San Francisco). Kamala graduated with her Juris Doctor in 1989.
UC Hastings has a reputation for being rigorous. But Kamala thrived. She was known for being sharp, hardworking, and committed to understanding the law inside and out. Her time at UC Hastings was all about preparation. She knew she wanted to fight for justice, and law school gave her the tools to do it.
By 1990, Kamala had passed the California Bar exam. For those of you who don’t know, that’s no small feat. The California Bar is one of the toughest in the country. Passing it on her first try shows just how focused and determined she was.
Where Did Kamala Harris Go before College?
Before college, Kamala Harris spent her high school years at Westmount High School in Montreal, Canada. Her family had moved there when her mother, a cancer researcher, took a job teaching at McGill University.
-lpWestmount High was where Kamala started developing her leadership skills and her interest in public service. Growing up in a multicultural city like Montreal gave her a unique perspective on different cultures and communities, which would later shape her approach to politics.
Even in high school, Kamala Harris was known for being outspoken and driven—traits that would stick with her as she climbed the ranks in her career.
Kamala Harris’ Work History
Once you know where Kamala Harris went to college, it’s easy to see how her education shaped her career. After law school, Kamala jumped straight into the legal field as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. This was the start of a long and impactful career in law enforcement.
At the DA’s office, Kamala focused on cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. It was tough work, but her time at UC Hastings had prepared her for the challenges. She spent nearly a decade here, gaining a reputation for being both tough and fair.
Her next big move? Managing attorney of the Career Criminal Unit in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In this role, she focused on prosecuting repeat offenders, which gave her even more experience in high-pressure cases.
Deputy district attorney in Alameda County
After law school, Kamala Harris’s first major job was as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. This role was where she really started to put her education to work. From 1990 to 1998, she focused on prosecuting cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. It was a tough job, but Kamala thrived in high-pressure situations.
This position was all about learning the ins and outs of the justice system. Kamala gained firsthand experience in the courtroom and handled cases that often came with a lot of public scrutiny. Her time here also shaped her approach to law enforcement, balancing tough-on-crime policies with a sense of fairness.
Managing attorney at the Career Criminal Unit
In 1998, Kamala took her expertise to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office as the managing attorney of the Career Criminal Unit. Here, she specialized in prosecuting repeat offenders, which required both legal precision and strategic thinking.
This role was another step up for Kamala. She was known for being meticulous in her preparation and unafraid to take on challenging cases.
Chief of the Division on Children and Families
Kamala’s next role in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office focused on protecting vulnerable populations. As the chief of the Division on Children and Families, she worked on cases involving child welfare, neglect, and other family-related issues.
This job highlighted Kamala’s ability to combine her legal expertise with compassion. It also gave her a chance to push for systemic changes to improve outcomes for families and children in need.
District attorney of San Francisco
In 2004, Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and first African American elected as District Attorney of San Francisco. This role was a major turning point in her career.
As DA, Kamala launched the Back on Track program, which focused on reducing recidivism by offering first-time drug offenders education and job training instead of jail time. The program was praised as a forward-thinking approach to criminal justice reform.
Kamala served two terms as DA, from 2004 to 2011. Her work during this time showed her ability to innovate and tackle long-standing problems in the justice system.
Attorney general of California
In 2010, Kamala took her career to the next level by running for California Attorney General. She won, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold the position.
As Attorney General, Kamala tackled big issues like consumer protection, marriage equality, and criminal justice reform. She also stood up to big banks during the foreclosure crisis, securing a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners. Her tenure cemented her reputation as a tough yet compassionate leader who wasn’t afraid to take on powerful interests.
U.S. senator from California
In 2016, Kamala was elected as a U.S. Senator representing California. This role brought her into the national spotlight. She became the second Black woman and first South Asian American to serve in the Senate.
During her time as senator, Kamala focused on issues like immigration reform, healthcare, and criminal justice. Her sharp questioning during Senate hearings earned her a reputation as a fearless and effective legislator.
Vice President of the United States
Kamala Harris’s biggest career milestone so far is her role as Vice President of the United States.
When Kamala took office on January 20th, 2021, she made history as the first woman, the first African American, and the first South Asian American to hold the office. That’s a triple milestone, and it sent a powerful message about breaking barriers in politics.
So, what has Kamala actually done as Vice President? She’s had her hands full tackling some of the country’s biggest issues and making her voice heard on topics that matter. For instance, she was a key player in the COVID-19 response. Kamala helped get vaccines to as many people as possible, especially in underserved communities that needed them most.
She also pushed for the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which made sure funding went toward fixing roads, expanding public transit, and bringing internet access to underserved areas.
Kamala has been a loud and consistent advocate for reproductive rights, voting rights, and climate action. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, she became one of the strongest voices fighting for women’s healthcare. She’s also worked hard to secure voting rights and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest U.S. investment in clean energy and reducing emissions, all while making sure equity stayed front and center.
On the international front, Kamala has represented the U.S. in building relationships with global leaders and tackling issues like migration by addressing poverty and instability in Central America. Whether it’s at home or abroad, her focus has been on creating opportunities and pushing for policies that help people who’ve been left behind.
Kamala Harris’s run for President in 2024
Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for President of the United States in the 2024 election. Her decision marked another historic moment in her career, as she aimed to build on her achievements and address pressing issues facing the nation.
Before making it to the White House as Vice President, Kamala Harris held three major elected offices—District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Senator from California. That’s more than any other presidential candidate has ever had before running!
Kamala’s presidential campaign focused on key topics like climate change, healthcare reform, and social justice. Her platform highlighted her dedication to creating a fairer and more equitable America, drawing from her extensive experience as a senator, attorney general, and vice president. She leaned on her ability to connect with diverse communities and her strong policy expertise to energize voters.
Despite a strong campaign and significant attention to her leadership and track record, Kamala ultimately did not win the presidency in 2024. Even without securing the presidency, Kamala’s candidacy left a lasting impression on the political landscape and reaffirmed her role as a trailblazer in American politics.
Kamala Harris’s story is one of breaking barriers, tackling challenges, and staying committed to making a difference. From her days at Howard University and UC Hastings to her groundbreaking role as Vice President, Kamala has proven time and again that she’s a leader who’s willing to do the hard work.
Her term as Vice President is set to end in January 2025, and while we don’t know what’s next for her, one thing’s for sure—she’s not done making an impact. Whether it’s through public service, advocacy, or something else entirely, Kamala Harris’s legacy as a trailblazer and changemaker is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where did Kamala Harris go for her college education?
Kamala Harris went to school at Howard University, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. She graduated in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics. Howard played a huge role in shaping her leadership skills and preparing her for a career in public service.
2. Where did Kamala Harris go after finishing her college degree?
After Howard University, Kamala Harris earned her law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law (now UC Law San Francisco) in 1989. She passed the California Bar Exam on her first try, which is no small feat given its reputation as one of the toughest in the country.
3. What is Kamala Harris’s work history?
Kamala Harris has a stacked resume. She held three major elected offices before the White House—District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Senator from California. This makes her the most experienced presidential candidate in terms of elected positions before running.
4. How did Kamala Harris’s schools prepare her for her career?
Where Kamala Harris went to college and law school gave her a strong foundation in leadership and law. Kamala Harris’s degree in political science and economics from Howard University gave her a strong understanding of how government and financial systems impact society, which shaped her approach to public service. At UC Hastings, she gained the legal expertise to apply this knowledge in the justice system, which prepared her for a career as a prosecutor, policymaker, and national leader.
Takeaways
From Howard University to UC Hastings, where Kamala Harris went to college laid the foundation for her historic career. Here are the main takeaways from her story:
- Howard University shaped her leadership skills. Attending a prestigious HBCU like Howard gave Kamala the confidence, community, and perspective to lead. Her degree in political science and economics set her up to understand systems of power and policy.
- UC Hastings sharpened her legal expertise. Law school wasn’t just about textbooks for Kamala—it prepared her to deal with the complexities of the justice system and take on high-profile cases during her legal career.
- She’s held more elected offices than any other presidential candidate before running. From District Attorney to Attorney General to U.S. Senator, Kamala’s resume shows a steady rise through some of the most challenging roles in public service.
- Whether it was learning to “speak up and speak out” at Howard or developing a tough-but-fair approach to justice at UC Hastings, her education directly influenced her career choices and leadership style.
Just like Kamala Harris, picking the right schools and building the right skills can make a big difference in your career. Working with a college admissions consultant can help you figure out the best path and set you up for success.
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