The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 at Columbia University (Fully Funded leadership development program in New York City, USA)

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Application Deadline: December 16, 2024 at 5 PM EST. 

Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 Columbia University Obama Foundation Scholars Program. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University brings together rising leaders from the United States and around the world who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities and countries. Scholars complete a fully-funded nine-month residency on campus at Columbia World Projects (CWP), deepening their knowledge and skills, and building new capacities and networks to accelerate their impact.

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:

• 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

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.

Scholars participate in an immersive program that brings together academic, skills-based and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation. Key components of the program include: 

• A weekly seminar that runs the length of the academic year, exploring questions in tandem with key global trends including inequality, technological developments, the diffusion of power, population movements, and climate change. 
• Personal and professional development workshops designed to strengthen practical skills to enhance Scholars’ ability to lead. Previous workshop topics include conflict management and resolution, public speaking, data analysis and interpretation, and resilience.
• An experiential learning component that engages Scholars in the work of Columbia World Projects.
• Audited coursework that provides Scholars with the flexibility to select and enroll in up to two graduate level courses each semester at Columbia.
• A “Thought Leadership” speaker series that introduces Scholars to seasoned practitioners from the NGO community, philanthropy, government, and international organizations to expand Scholars’ networks and perspectives to help advance their work.
• Partnership with a Columbia faculty adviser selected for their subject matter expertise to provide Scholars with new insights and perspectives to inform Scholars’ work.
• Engagement with the Columbia University community, providing meaningful opportunities for Scholars to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus and gain exposure to different perspectives. 

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 Procedure:

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

Complete online application form

Complete the online application form by December 16 at 5 PM EST.

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.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Columbia University Obama Foundation Scholars Program