Funded Academic Program for Community Leaders at NewYork 2019

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University is a full-time program, running for the duration of the academic year from August through May. This program brings together rising 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, the Obama Foundation Scholars will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills and to build new capacities and networks that will accelerate their impact in their home countries.

Upon completion of the program, Obama Foundation Scholars, empowered by their experience, are expected to return to the regions where they have been working and continue along a path of service, either through their full-time job or volunteer opportunities. The purpose of the program is to help Obama Foundation Scholars take the connections and skills they acquire during the program and apply them for the benefit of their communities, countries, and regions.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program will bring together academic, skills-based, and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation. All Scholars will participate in a core seminar developed by Columbia faculty, which will run for the academic year. Scholars will also have the ability to select up to four courses offered by Columbia University, which will allow Scholars to deepen existing areas of expertise or fill gaps in their existing knowledge and skills.
Obama Foundation Scholars who complete the Columbia University program will receive documentation from the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University recognizing their completion of the program.

Eligibility

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

• Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region or country outside the United States, 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 emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “tipping point” in their careers
• 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 humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination and teamwork

Benefits

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program covers the following costs:

1. Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
2. A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University
3. All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
4. Basic medical, dental and life insurance for the duration of the program
5. Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities

For more information about this program, please read FAQs section.