The Obama Foundation scholars program is a fully funded, full-time leadership development program offered at Columbia University. The program aims to bring the rising young leaders from the USA and other countries together who commit to offering solutions to different communities’ challenges.
The program comprises one year course at Columbia University. They will get a chance to deepen their skills and knowledge to build new capacities and broaden the network to accelerate the solution to the challenges in their communities. After completing the leader development program, the scholars must return to their home countries, where they will continue to work and offer their service.
Since 2018, the program has welcomed 34 leaders from 29 countries committed to offering solutions to the challenges in their countries, including healthcare access, strengthening governance, environmental sustainability, and promotion of women empowerment and to end gender based violence.
The program was held remotely due to the covid-19 pandemic. If it is safe, organizers hope to hold the program in New York City. However, it is possible that it will be conducted remotely, and scholars will not be able to travel to New York.
If you are interested to apply for the program, complete and submit an application, do not nominate yourself. You can nominate a candidate who meets the eligibility criteria. You can also submit multiple forms of nomination if you know people who meet the criteria and they should get a chance.
