The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is a prestigious initiative designed to empower emerging leaders from around the globe. By providing a fully funded academic year at Columbia University in New York City, the program equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to tackle complex global challenges. Since its inception in 2018, the program has cultivated a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program continues its mission to support individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and leadership. Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic coursework, leadership development, and experiential learning opportunities. This immersive experience is designed to enhance their ability to address pressing issues and drive meaningful change.
The program not only offers financial support but also fosters a global network of leaders dedicated to public service. By connecting scholars with peers, mentors, and experts across various fields, the program creates a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and collective problem-solving. This network serves as a valuable resource for scholars as they continue their leadership journeys beyond the program.
2025 Obama Foundation Scholars Program Details:
The 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University is a fully funded, nine-month residency that brings together rising leaders from the United States and around the world. Participants engage in an immersive program that combines academic, skills-based, and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation.
Key components of the 2025 Obama Foundation Scholars Program
Weekly Seminar: A year-long seminar exploring global trends such as inequality, technological developments, the diffusion of power, population movements, and climate change.
Personal and Professional Development Workshops: Workshops aimed at strengthening practical skills to enhance scholars’ leadership abilities. Previous topics have included conflict management and resolution, public speaking, data analysis and interpretation, and resilience.
Experiential Learning: Engagement in the work of Columbia World Projects, providing hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges.
Audited Coursework: Flexibility to select and enroll in up to two graduate-level courses each semester at Columbia University, allowing scholars to tailor their learning to their specific interests and goals.
The program also offers a Thought Leadership Speaker Series, introducing scholars to seasoned practitioners from various sectors, and partnerships with Columbia faculty advisers who provide insights and perspectives to inform scholars’ work. Additionally, scholars have meaningful opportunities to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus and engage with the Columbia University community.
Visa Requirements for EmploymentÂ
As the Obama Foundation Scholars Program is a full-time, residential program, participants are expected to reside in New York City for the academic year. International scholars will need to obtain the appropriate visa to study in the United States. Typically, this involves securing an F-1 student visa, which permits full-time academic study.
It’s important to note that the F-1 visa has specific restrictions regarding employment. While on an F-1 visa, scholars are generally not permitted to engage in off-campus employment during their first academic year. However, on-campus employment may be allowed under certain conditions. Given the intensive nature of the program, scholars are not permitted to continue their current jobs during their participation. Active and engaged participation is key to creating a meaningful experience.
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program provides a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City, a furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University, and covers all tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University. Basic medical, dental, and life insurance for the duration of the program, as well as air travel to and from the home country and any program-related activities, are also included.
Eligibility for 2025 Obama Foundation Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:
Emerging Leaders: Individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers.
Commitment to Service and Leadership: A proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region, or country, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following the completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities.
English Proficiency: Fluency in English (verbal, written, and spoken) is required, as scholars are expected to engage fully in academic coursework and discussions.
Ability to Positively Shape the Future: Demonstrated ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community.
Commitment to Core Values: A demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community orientation, hope, courage, imagination, strategy, accountability, integrity, and resilience.
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.
Application Requirements and Documents Needed:
A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:
Online Application Form: Complete the online application form by the specified deadline.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: A chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements.
Personal Video Statement: A short video (no longer than three minutes) introducing yourself and your 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.
Responses to Short Essay Questions: These questions help the selection committee understand your work, motivation, and how the program fits into your career trajectory.
Proof of English Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate
