The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2024/2025 at Columbia University (Fully Funded leadership development program in New York City, USA)

Application Deadline: December 12, 2023 at 5 p.m. EST.

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University, a part of Columbia World Projects and Columbia Global, launched the application for its seventh cohort today, inviting rising leaders from around the world to apply to participate in a nine-month immersive program of academic, skill-based and experiential learning.

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University brings together emerging leaders from around the world who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries and regions. Over the course of an academic year, Obama Foundation Scholars have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills and build new capacities and networks that accelerate their impact in their home countries. Current and previous Scholars hail from the U.S. and around the world and are accomplished practitioners in a range of fields including education, community and civic engagement, and sustainable development.

Eligibility Requirements

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

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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

Please note: Priority will be given to applicants who have not matriculated at Columbia University. The fellowship is a full-time, residential program at Columbia and cannot be undertaken at the same time as a degree program.

Scholar Benefits

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

Application Requirements

Complete online application form

Complete the online application form by 5 p.m. ET on December 12, 2023.

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.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2024/2025