Are you a rising leader, passionate about making a difference in your community and the world? The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is here to provide you with a fully-funded opportunity to take your work to the next level. This prestigious initiative brings together individuals who are dedicated to service, offering them the tools and knowledge needed to create meaningful change on a global scale. In this article, we will explore the program’s key features, benefits, and eligibility requirements.

Empowering Global Changemakers

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program, taking place at Columbia University and the University of Chicago, empowers individuals who have already demonstrated a commitment to service and leadership in their communities. This program equips them with the skills and knowledge to enhance their impact and tackle complex global issues through values-based leadership.

The program is designed to:

  • Build lasting relationships among emerging leaders, fostering collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges.
  • Develop personalized action plans to accelerate positive change within their communities.
  • Provide opportunities to contribute to the Obama Foundation’s mission of inspiring, empowering, and connecting rising leaders from around the world.

A Multifaceted Learning Experience

Scholars participating in this program engage in a comprehensive learning experience that blends academic, skills-based, and hands-on learning. The curriculum is designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation and includes the following components:

  1. Weekly Seminars: These sessions explore key global trends, including inequality, technological developments, power dynamics, population movements, and climate change.
  2. Personal and Professional Development Workshops: Scholars strengthen practical skills in areas such as conflict management, public speaking, data analysis, and resilience.
  3. Experiential Learning: Scholars actively participate in the work of Columbia World Projects, gaining real-world experience.
  4. Audited Coursework: Scholars can select and enroll in up to two graduate-level courses each semester at Columbia, providing academic flexibility.
  5. Thought Leadership Speaker Series: Scholars have the opportunity to engage with seasoned practitioners from various sectors to expand their networks and perspectives.
  6. Columbia Faculty Adviser: Each Scholar is partnered with a Columbia faculty adviser to gain new insights and perspectives.
  7. Engagement with the Columbia University Community: Scholars actively contribute to the intellectual life of the campus and interact with diverse perspectives.

Benefits of the Program

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program offers a range of benefits to its participants:

  • A monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City.
  • A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University.
  • Full coverage of tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University.
  • Basic medical, dental, and life insurance for the duration of the program in New York City.
  • Air travel to and from the Scholar’s home country and any program-related activities.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers.
  • A proven commitment to service and leadership in their community, region, or country, with a willingness to return to these communities to apply their training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis.
  • Proficiency in English (verbal, written, and spoken).
  • The ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community.
  • A demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community-orientation, hope, courage, imagination, strategy, accountability, integrity, and resilience.

HOW TO APPLY

The application process for the 2024-2025 Obama Foundation Scholars Program is entirely online and includes the following materials:

  • Complete the online application form by 5 p.m. ET on December 12, 2023.
  • Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Create a personal video statement.
  • Provide responses to short essay questions.
  • Demonstrate proof of English proficiency.
  • Obtain two letters of recommendation.

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