The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University extends a prestigious opportunity to emerging leaders from across the world, as well as the United States, granting them a fully funded 9-month residency at Columbia. The program aims to empower individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing challenges in their respective communities and nations.
This transformative residency offers participants a chance to enhance their knowledge and skills while fostering new capacities and networks that will enable them to accelerate their impact on a global scale. The program is rooted in the framework of Columbia World Projects, conducted on the Columbia University campus.
Scholars in this program enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits, including a monthly stipend, a furnished studio apartment in close proximity to Columbia University, tuition and fees for up to four courses at the university, medical insurance, air travel to and from their home country and program-related activities, and more.
The program is designed to deliver a holistic learning experience that combines academic study, skill development, and hands-on learning. It has been meticulously crafted by Columbia University in collaboration with the Obama Foundation, and includes the following key elements:
1. **Weekly Seminar**: Throughout the academic year, scholars engage in a weekly seminar that delves into critical global trends such as inequality, technological advancements, power dynamics, population shifts, and climate change. These seminars offer a platform for in-depth exploration and dialogue.
2. **Personal and Professional Development Workshops**: These workshops are specifically designed to enhance practical skills that are essential for effective leadership. Past workshop topics include conflict management and resolution, public speaking, data analysis, interpretation, and resilience.
3. **Experiential Learning**: Scholars actively participate in Columbia World Projects initiatives, gaining practical experience and contributing to impactful projects.
4. **Audited Coursework**: Scholars have the flexibility to select and enroll in up to two graduate-level courses each semester at Columbia, further enhancing their knowledge and skills.
5. **Thought Leadership Speaker Series**: This series introduces scholars to experienced practitioners in fields such as the NGO community, philanthropy, government, and international organizations. It expands scholars’ networks and perspectives, fostering the advancement of their work.
6. **Faculty Advisers**: Scholars benefit from a partnership with a Columbia faculty adviser selected for their expertise in a specific subject area. This collaboration provides fresh insights and perspectives to inform scholars’ work.
7. **Campus Engagement**: Scholars have meaningful opportunities to contribute to the intellectual vibrancy of the campus and gain exposure to diverse viewpoints by actively engaging with the Columbia University community.
The program’s comprehensive and immersive experience includes networking, guidance from Columbia faculty advisers, and the development of values-based leadership skills. Scholars learn from some of the world’s most innovative leaders and establish connections with both the Obama Foundation and Columbia University.
To be eligible for this prestigious program, candidates must meet certain criteria, including being emerging leaders who have made significant contributions to their fields and are at a pivotal “breakthrough moment” in their careers. They must have a proven track record of commitment to service and leadership within a community, region, or country, along with a demonstrated dedication to returning to these communities after completing the program.
Fluency in English, including proficiency in verbal, written, and spoken communication, is a requirement. Additionally, candidates should possess both the ability and inclination to play a positive role in shaping the future of their community. A clear and demonstrated commitment to values such as inclusivity, community-centeredness, hope, courage, imagination, strategic thinking, accountability, integrity, and resilience is expected.
Preference will be given to applicants who have not yet enrolled at Columbia University. This fellowship is a full-time, residential program at Columbia and cannot be pursued concurrently with a degree program.
The program has a strong track record of success, having welcomed 70 emerging leaders from 54 countries since 2018. These scholars, with an average age of 33, have made significant contributions in areas such as governance, healthcare, environmental sustainability, women’s rights, and the eradication of gender-based violence.
In addition to their contributions to their respective fields, these scholars have shown a steadfast dedication to identifying solutions for issues within their communities, countries, and regions. Their work spans various challenges, including but not limited to the enhancement of governance, the expansion of access to top-notch healthcare, the promotion of environmental sustainability, as well as the advocacy for women’s rights and the eradication of gender-based violence.
The benefits of the program are designed to provide scholars with the support and resources they need to excel in their roles as emerging leaders. These benefits include a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses in New York City, a furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University, full coverage of tuition and fees for enrollment in up to four courses at Columbia University, comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance throughout the program’s duration in New York City, and air travel to and from the scholars’ home country for program-related activities.
To apply for the program, candidates are required to complete an online application form, which includes submitting a resume, a personal video statement not exceeding three minutes, responses to short essay questions, proof of English proficiency, and two letters of recommendation. The application deadline is set for 5 p.m. ET on December 12, 2023
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