Obama Foundation Scholars Program, 2024-2025

Applications are being received for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program. The program is fully funded and aims to bring together young leaders from all over the world and the United States who have shown commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries, and regions. 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.

Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University will participate in Columbia World Projects, an initiative that mobilizes the university’s researchers and scholars to work with governments, organizations, businesses, and communities to create tangible solutions to real-world issues. The program will also take advantage of the unique opportunities for engagement that come with being at one of the world’s most important centers of research and residing in New York City.

The Obama Foundation Scholars program is a full-time program that runs the length of the academic year. Prior to arriving in New York, Scholars will be asked to take part in some online activities, though these are not full-time commitments. Scholars are expected to engage in various activities led by the Obama Foundation throughout the year. Upon returning to the countries and regions where they work at the conclusion of the program, Scholars will play a role in the broader international Obama Foundation network and participate in Obama Foundation activities.

Founded in 1754 as King’s College, Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university located in New York City. The university is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Columbia is organized into four undergraduate schools and 16 graduate schools.

Program Details

• Host Institution: Columbia University in the United States of America.
• Study field: Leadership development program.
• Duration: Not specified.
• Number of Awards: Not specified.
• Target group: Open to citizens of all countries in the world.

Obama Foundation Scholars Program Benefits

Selected candidates for this foundation scholarship program will be provided with the following benefits :

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 in New York City;
5. Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities.

Obama Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility

The Obama Foundation 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.

Similar opportunities

1. Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships;
2. Singapore International Graduate Award;
3. Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology.

How to Apply for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program

Eligible applicants who would like to apply for this North America opportunity should click on the apply button below and follow the instructions to submit their applications.

Required Documents

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

1. Resume/curriculum vitae: a chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements․
2. Personal video statement: 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.
3. Responses to short essay questions
4. Proof of English proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting a minimum score from one of the following exams:
   • TOEFL – Internet-Based Exam: 100, Paper-Based Exam: 600
   • International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS) : 7
   • Pearson Test of English Academic: 68
   • Duolingo English Test: 120 (75 on the exam taken prior to July 2019).
   • No other exams will be accepted. This requirement is waived for applicants who:
     • have completed an undergraduate degree – not a master’s or graduate degree – in a country where English is an official language; OR
     • have previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or DET exams in the last five years and scored at or above the minimum requirement (specified above). If applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception, they must upload a scanned copy of their score report to the online application to ensure their application is eligible for review. If they did not score at or above the required minimum or no longer have a copy of their old results, they must retake an English proficiency exam. While applicants who received scores below the posted minimums may still apply, applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
5. Two letters of recommendation : required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant and the applicant’s work in an academic, professional or community service setting. Recommendations should directly address the applicant’s suitability for admission to the Obama Foundation Scholars program. Recommendations should not be written by family members or friends.

The deadline to submit the online application is December 12, 2023 at 5PM ET. For more details on the Obama Foundation Scholars Program, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.