The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 at Columbia University (Fully Funded Leadership Development Opportunity in New York City, USA)

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

Applications are now open for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University for the 2025/2026 academic year. This prestigious program unites emerging leaders from both the U.S. and across the globe who are dedicated to tackling challenges within their communities and beyond. Scholars participate in a fully-funded, nine-month residency at Columbia World Projects (CWP) to expand their expertise, skills, and networks, accelerating their impact on society.

Eligibility Criteria

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program seeks promising leaders who demonstrate the following:

• Emerging leadership with proven, impactful contributions in their field, poised for significant growth in their careers.
• Strong commitment to public service and leadership within their community, region, or nation, with a clear intention to return and leverage their enhanced skills and connections to benefit their communities.
• Proficiency in English (written, spoken, and comprehension).
• Capacity and commitment to shape their community’s future positively.
• Demonstrated dedication to values such as inclusivity, community engagement, hope, resilience, courage, integrity, accountability, strategic thinking, and creativity.

Note: Preference is given to applicants who have not previously studied at Columbia University. This is a full-time, residential program and cannot be combined with any degree program.

Program Structure

The immersive program combines academic and experiential learning through collaboration between Columbia University and the Obama Foundation. Key components include:

• Weekly Seminar: A yearlong seminar exploring major global trends, such as inequality, technological change, population shifts, climate change, and the diffusion of power.
• Workshops for Personal and Professional Development: Workshops focusing on practical skills such as conflict resolution, public speaking, data analysis, resilience, and more.
• Experiential Learning: Scholars engage directly in Columbia World Projects’ work.
• Audited Courses: Scholars may choose up to two graduate-level courses each semester to enrich their learning experience.
• Thought Leadership Speaker Series: Scholars interact with leaders from NGOs, government, philanthropy, and international organizations to broaden their networks and perspectives.
• Faculty Partnership: Scholars are paired with a Columbia University faculty adviser, chosen for their expertise, to offer tailored guidance.
• Campus Engagement: Scholars have opportunities to participate in and contribute to Columbia University’s intellectual community.

Benefits

This fully-funded program includes:

• Monthly stipend for living expenses in New York City.
• Furnished studio apartment close to Columbia University, if the program convenes in person.
• Coverage of tuition and fees for up to four Columbia University courses.
• Basic medical, dental, and life insurance, if the program convenes in person.
• Round-trip airfare to and from the home country, along with travel for any program-related activities, if in-person participation is feasible.

Application Requirements

A complete application, submitted online, should include the following:

1. Online Application Form: Submit by December 16, 5 PM EST.
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Outline your employment, academic history, awards, publications, and other relevant achievements.
3. Personal Video Statement: A video (up to three minutes) introducing yourself and your work, hosted on a video-sharing platform (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo) with the link included in the application.
4. Responses to Short Essay Questions: The essay responses should highlight your work, motivation, and how the program aligns with your career goals.

For more details, visit the official Obama Foundation Scholars Program page.

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