Obama Foundation 2023-2024 Scholars Program at Columbia University

The application for the 2023-2024 Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University is now open!

The Scholars program at Columbia University and the University of Chicago empowers individuals with a proven commitment to service with the tools they need to make their efforts more effective, to identify innovative solutions to complex global problems, and promote change through values-based leadership.

The program will build lasting relationships among emerging leaders who are committed to working together to solve the most pressing challenges of our time, thereby creating a global network that reaches across issues and borders. After completing the program, Obama Foundation Scholars will:

• Return to work on their global issue of focus and implement their personalized action plan to accelerate positive change within their community. 
•  Have an opportunity to play a role in the Obama Foundation’s efforts to inspire, empower, and connect rising leaders from around the globe.

• Table of Content
• About Obama Foundation
• Obama Foundation Scholars Program
• Aim and Benefits of Obama Foundation Scholars Program
• Requirements for Obama Foundation Scholars Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa program will inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from across the African continent through a core set of shared values and leadership skills. Together, they will form a network of innovative and ethical changemakers and positive role models who will be well-prepared to create tangible solutions to the biggest challenges in their communities, countries, and continent. From government, to civil society, to the private sector and beyond, we’re looking for changemakers who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good within their... continue reading

Obama Foundation Scholars Program

Aim and Benefits of Obama Foundation Scholars Program

• Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City

• A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University

• All 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 home country and any program-related activities

Requirements for Obama Foundation Scholars Program Qualification

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:

• Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers
• Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region or country, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities
• Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
• Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community
• Have a demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community-orientation, hope, courage, imagination, strategy, accountability, integrity and resilience

Application Deadline

How to Apply

A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:

Complete online application form

Complete the online application form by January 19, 2023 at 5PM ET.

Resume/curriculum vitae

The resume/curriculum vitae should be a chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements????

Personal video statement

The personal video statement should be a short video (no longer than three minutes in length) introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee. Applicants will upload their video statement to a video hosting service, like YouTube or Vimeo, and will include a link to their video in the online application. Additional information on the requirements for the personal video statement can be found in the online application.

Responses to short essay questions

The short essay questions help the selection committee understand the applicant's work, their motivation and how the program fits into their career trajectory. Applicants will submit their essay questions in the online application.

Proof of English proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of four exams: The internet-based or paper-based exams of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); or the Duolingo English Test (DET). No other exams will be accepted.

Two letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant and the applicant's work in an academic, professional or community service setting. Recommendations should directly address the applicant's suitability for admission to the Obama Foundation Scholars program. Recommendations should not be written by family members or friends.

For more details, visit Obama Foundation website.