Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 at Columbia University
Posted July 31, 2026
About this opportunity
Opportunity Overview
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University is a fully funded, one-year residential fellowship designed for emerging leaders who are actively driving positive change in their communities. Operating at the intersection of academic rigor and practical leadership development, the program selects a diverse cohort of approximately 25-30 individuals from across the globe each year. Scholars are not passive participants; they are practitioners with proven track records who seek to deepen their impact through access to world-class resources, a collaborative peer network, and the institutional weight of one of America's Ivy League institutions. Hosted jointly by the Obama Foundation and Columbia University, the fellowship is anchored in New York City, a global hub for policy, finance, media, and international affairs. The program leverages Columbia's extensive faculty expertise across its schools, including the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Business School, and the Mailman School of Public Health. Scholars spend the academic year (August through May) engaged in a custom-designed curriculum that bridges theoretical frameworks with actionable strategies. The strategic value of this fellowship lies in its dual focus: it equips participants with the analytical tools to understand systemic challenges while simultaneously providing the leadership coaching and civic engagement platforms necessary to translate insight into tangible community outcomes. For international applicants, this represents an unparalleled opportunity to build a transatlantic network of changemakers, access senior mentors from the Obama Foundation network, and position their work within a global context.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate actively in all academic coursework, including seminars, lectures, and policy design labs developed exclusively for the Scholars cohort.
- Develop and refine a personalized leadership action plan that outlines a concrete project or initiative to be implemented upon returning to their home community.
- Engage in hands-on civic engagement projects in New York City, collaborating with local nonprofits, community organizations, and municipal agencies.
- Attend and contribute to monthly leadership development workshops focused on negotiation, communications, organizational management, and ethical decision-making.
- Serve as a mentor and peer reviewer for fellow Scholars, providing constructive feedback on project proposals and policy briefs.
- Represent the Obama Foundation and Columbia University at official events, panel discussions, and networking receptions with global leaders, alumni, and potential partners.
- Conduct independent research under the guidance of a Columbia faculty advisor, culminating in a capstone paper or policy memo.
- Document and share progress, insights, and challenges through blog posts, video diaries, or presentations to the broader Foundation community.
Benefits & Compensation Package
- Full tuition coverage for the entire academic year, including all fees and mandatory university charges.
- A monthly living stipend designed to cover food, local transportation, and personal expenses in New York City.
- Fully furnished, private housing provided within walking distance of the Columbia University campus in Morningside Heights.
- Comprehensive round-trip airfare from the Scholar's home country to New York City, plus a travel allowance for program-related domestic trips.
- A dedicated technology and research stipend to cover books, software, and academic materials.
- Access to Columbia University's health insurance plan for the duration of the program.
Eligibility & Prerequisites
- A minimum of 3-5 years of full-time, post-undergraduate work experience in a relevant field such as public service, social entrepreneurship, non-profit management, government, or international development.
- A demonstrated, verifiable track record of leading initiatives or organizations that have produced measurable positive impact in their community.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; advanced degrees are preferred but not required.
- Exceptional proficiency in English, both written and spoken, as all instruction and program activities are conducted in English.
- A clear, ambitious, and feasible vision for how the fellowship year will enhance their ongoing work; applicants must articulate a specific problem they are solving.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across cultural, political, and sectoral divides.
- Applicants must be early-to-mid-career professionals (typically aged 25-35) who have not previously had extensive access to international academic opportunities.
- A commitment to returning to their home country or community for a minimum of two years following the fellowship to apply their learning.
Required Application Documents
- A current CV or resume in ATS format, detailing professional experience, educational background, and leadership roles.
- A personal statement (maximum 1,500 words) outlining your leadership journey, the specific challenge you are addressing, and how this fellowship will accelerate your impact.
- Two letters of recommendation from supervisors, mentors, or community leaders who can speak directly to your leadership capabilities and project outcomes.
- Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- A project proposal or concept note (maximum 1,000 words) describing the initiative you plan to develop or scale during the fellowship year.
How to Apply
- Prepare all required documents, ensuring your personal statement and project proposal are tailored to the Obama Foundation's focus areas of inclusive growth, civic engagement, and sustainable development.
- Complete the online application form on the Obama Foundation website, uploading all materials in the specified formats before the deadline.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to apply?