The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University is a full-time, fully-funded leadership development program that brings together rising leaders from the USA and around the world who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries, and regions. Over the course of a tutorial year at Columbia University, Obama Foundation Scholars deepen their knowledge and skills and build new capacities and networks to accelerate their impact in their home countries.

Upon completion of the program, Obama Foundation Scholars, empowered by their experience, return to the regions where they need been working and continue along a path of service.

Benefits of Obama Foundation Scholars

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program covers the subsequent costs:

• A monthly stipend to help with living expenses in New York City
• A furnished studio within walking distance of Columbia University , if the program is in a position to convene in-person
• All tuition and costs for up to four courses at Columbia University
• Basic medical, dental and life assurance for the duration of the program in ny City, if the program is in a position to convene face to face
• Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities, if the program is in a position to convene face to face

Cohort Profile

Since 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University has welcomed:

• 34 rising leaders from 29 countries who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries, and regions
• Scholars who were, on the average , 35 years aged , with ages starting from 25 to 45
• Emerging institutional and movement leaders addressing a variety of challenges, including strengthening governance, increasing access to high-quality healthcare, environmental sustainability, and promoting women’s rights and ending gender-based violence

Eligibility

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the USA and round the world who meet the subsequent 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, including a demonstrated commitment to return to those communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the advantage of these communities
• Are fluent in English (verbal, written, and spoken)
• Have the power and inclination to positively shape the longer term of their community
• Have a demonstrated commitment to humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination, and teamwork