You want to lead real change at scale. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program gives you the tools, the network, and the time to do it. It is a fully funded, nine-month leadership experience hosted in the United States for outstanding changemakers like you.
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For the 2027/2028 cohort, you can pursue one of two tracks: a global scholars program at Columbia University open to applicants from any country, or a University of Chicago track designed for UChicago students. Both offer world-class training, mentorship, and funding so you can focus on impact.
If you are building a high-impact project, policy, nonprofit, or social venture and you are ready to scale your results, this is a rare chance to step away from day-to-day pressures and invest in your leadership. Fully funded. Powerful network. Real outcomes.
Why this scholarship stands out
Fully Funded: Monthly stipend, furnished housing, health insurance, and all program travel covered.
Global Platform: Learn from top faculty, meet cross-sector leaders, and join a respected alumni network.
Impact First: Tailored leadership development tied directly to your community project or policy priority.
Two Tracks: Columbia for global applicants. UChicago for current University of Chicago students.
Program overview at a glance
Item
Details
Program
Obama Foundation Scholars Program
Cohort
2027/2028
Duration
9 months of full-time, in-residence learning
Tracks
Columbia University (global) and University of Chicago (UChicago students)
Location
New York City or Chicago, USA
Funding
Fully funded stipend, housing, health insurance, program fees, and travel
Eligibility
Columbia: open worldwide. UChicago: for current UChicago students only.
Focus Areas
Public service, social impact, community development, policy, entrepreneurship, and related fields
Application Cycle
Applications expected to open in 2026 for the 2027/2028 cohort
Deadline
Check the official website for the latest deadline
Track 1 — Columbia University Scholars (Global, all countries)
This flagship track is open to emerging leaders from any country. You will be based at Columbia University in New York City and engage in a curated set of seminars, high-level dialogues, skill labs, site visits, and one-on-one coaching. You will refine and pressure-test your project or policy initiative and build partnerships to scale it after the program.
What the Columbia track typically covers
Monthly living stipend to cover day-to-day costs
Furnished housing near Columbia University
Basic health insurance for the duration of the program
Travel to and from the United States at the start and end of the program
Local transportation support for program activities
Academic and leadership programming fees
Visa support guidance where needed, coordinated by the host university in line with U.S. regulations
Note: The Columbia track is a full-time, non-degree, in-residence leadership program focused on impact, not credit accumulation.
Track 2 — University of Chicago Scholars (UChicago students only)
This track is designed for the University of Chicago community. It integrates leadership development with UChicago’s resources and networks in Chicago. If you are a current UChicago student working on a civic, social innovation, or policy initiative, this track places you in a rigorous environment with tailored mentorship and city-based immersion.
Admission to this track is limited to UChicago students as defined by the University for the given cycle. Always verify exact eligibility on the official UChicago page.
Funding and benefits
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses during the 9-month residency
Housing in furnished accommodations arranged by the host
Health insurance for the program period
Program fees fully covered, including workshops, labs, and site visits
Round-trip travel to the host city at the start and end of the program
Professional growth: leadership coaching, faculty access, and high-impact connections
Alumni network for continued collaboration and visibility after completion
Important: Exact benefits and amounts can vary by track and year. Always review the official pages before applying.
Who can apply
Criterion
Minimum Expectation
Citizenship
Columbia: any country. UChicago: limited to UChicago students.
Age
Adults capable of full-time residency and travel
Experience
Demonstrated impact leading projects, organizations, campaigns, or policy work
Language
Strong English proficiency to participate in seminars and collaborate effectively
Commitment
Full-time, in-person participation for the program duration
Focus
A clear project or policy priority with measurable community benefit
Selection criteria
Impact track record: evidence of results and community trust
Leadership potential: integrity, resilience, collaboration, and ability to influence systems
Clarity of vision: a focused plan to scale impact during and after the program
Community orientation: commitment to serve and uplift communities
Program fit: readiness to benefit from, and contribute to, the Scholars cohort
Who is not eligible
Applicants unable to commit to full-time, on-campus participation during the 9-month residency
Applicants without sufficient English proficiency to engage in graduate-level discussions
Individuals not meeting the specific criteria for their chosen track, such as non-UChicago students applying to the UChicago track
Applicants unable to meet U.S. entry and residency requirements for the program period
Individuals seeking a degree-granting program; the Columbia track is non-degree
How to apply
Choose your track: Decide between Columbia (global) or UChicago (for UChicago students). Read the official page for that track.
Prepare your narrative: Craft a compelling statement that explains your work, impact so far, the problem you solve, and what you aim to scale in 2027/2028.
Update your CV: Highlight leadership roles, measurable outcomes, partnerships, and media or policy wins.
Secure referees: Line up two recommenders who can speak to your integrity, results, and leadership under pressure.
Document your project: Provide a clear plan with milestones, beneficiaries, and how you will use the program’s resources.
Evidence of English: If requested, upload proof of English proficiency or describe prior study and work in English.
Submit transcripts: When required, include academic records that support your profile.
Complete the online form: Fill every section carefully and upload all documents in the requested formats.
Interview: If shortlisted, prepare for interviews that probe your leadership approach, ethics, and scale strategy.
Visa steps: If selected and you need a visa, follow host university guidance for the appropriate category in line with U.S. regulations.
Documents checklist
Updated CV or resume
Personal statement and short essays
Project or policy plan with clear outcomes
Two letters of recommendation
Academic transcripts, if requested
Passport bio page for international travel
Proof of English proficiency, if required
Deadlines and timeline
Application window: Applications for the 2027/2028 cohort are expected to open in 2026.
Deadline: Check the official website for the latest deadline.
Notifications: Shortlisting and final decisions typically fall in 2027.
Program start: Residency begins in 2027 and runs through 2028.
Would You Like To Apply For This Opportunity?
Always confirm specific dates on the official pages, as timelines may shift year to year.
Key differences: Columbia vs UChicago
Audience: Columbia welcomes applicants from any country. UChicago is for current University of Chicago students.
Format: Columbia is a non-degree, full-time leadership residency. UChicago is a leadership track anchored in the UChicago ecosystem.
City context: New York City access and networks at Columbia. Chicago-based immersion and UChicago networks at UChicago.
Visa and travel guidance
International scholars typically receive visa support guidance from the host university. If selected, you will follow the university’s instructions for the appropriate visa category, subject to U.S. law and processing times. Arrange your passport validity early and keep all required documentation ready.
Frequently asked questions
Is the program really fully funded?
Yes. Selected scholars receive a monthly stipend, furnished housing, health insurance, and covered program travel. Always check the track page for any updates to benefits.
Do I need to be working on a specific project?
Yes. You should have a clear initiative, policy effort, or organization with demonstrated results and a plan to scale during the program and after.
Can I work or study elsewhere while enrolled?
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No. The program requires full-time, in-person participation for the entire 9-month residency.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. You must be able to engage in high-level academic and leadership sessions in English. Proof may be requested.
Are U.S. citizens eligible?
U.S. citizens can apply to the Columbia track as long as they meet all criteria. For the UChicago track, only UChicago students are eligible.
When should I apply?
Applications for the 2027/2028 cohort are expected to open in 2026. Check the official website for the latest deadline.
If you are ready to scale your impact and join a global community of problem solvers, this is your moment. Shortlist your track, gather your materials, and watch the official page for the opening of 2026 applications. Fully funded. High impact. Apply as soon as the portal opens to give yourself the best shot.
