Deadline: December 12, 2023.

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 CRITERIA

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.

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.

BENEFITS

The Obama Foundation Scholars program covers the following costs:

• Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City.
• A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University, if the program is able to convene in person.
• 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, if the program is able to convene in person.
• Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities, if the program is able to convene in person.

APPLICATION

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

1. Complete online application form
2. 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․
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Proof of English proficiency.
6. Two letters of recommendation.

Apply through the OFFICIAL LINK