🇺🇸 Fully Funded to Columbia University, USA: Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2024-2025

Application Deadline: December 12, 2023

The prestigious Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University for the academic year 2024-2025 is now welcoming applications.

This initiative, a collaboration between Columbia University and the Obama Foundation, is tailored for emergent leaders from across the globe and the United States.

These individuals are recognized for their efforts in devising innovative solutions to their community and country’s challenges.

Over the course of a fully-funded, nine-month residency at Columbia World Projects, scholars enhance their abilities and broaden their networks, bolstering their capacity for impactful contributions.

The program encompasses a comprehensive approach combining academic rigor, skill development, and hands-on experience, meticulously curated by Columbia University in alliance with the Obama Foundation.

Table of Contents

Program Highlights
Program Benefits
Eligibility Criteria
Application Process

Program Highlights

Weekly Seminar: Spanning the academic year, this seminar delves into pivotal global trends, such as technological advancements, power dynamics, demographic shifts, and climate change.
Personal and Professional Development Workshops: These sessions are dedicated to fortifying essential leadership skills, covering topics like conflict resolution, public speaking, and data analytics.
Experiential Learning: Scholars actively engage in Columbia World Projects’ initiatives.
Audited Coursework: Scholars have the liberty to enroll in up to two graduate-level courses each semester at Columbia.
Thought Leadership Speaker Series: Interaction with experienced professionals from various sectors broadens scholars’ horizons.
Faculty Advisers: Scholars are paired with Columbia faculty experts to enrich their perspectives and knowledge.
Community Engagement: Scholars have abundant opportunities to immerse themselves in the intellectual life of Columbia University and interact with diverse viewpoints.

Program Benefits

Monthly stipend for living expenses in New York City.
Furnished studio apartment near Columbia University.
Full coverage of tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance throughout the New York City program.
Round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and New York City, including program-related activities.

Eligibility Criteria

The program seeks candidates who:

Are at a pivotal career moment, having made significant contributions to their field.
Demonstrate a robust commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement, with an intention to apply their enriched expertise post-program.
Are proficient in English (verbal, written, and spoken).
Exhibit the potential and desire to positively transform their community’s future.
Embody values like inclusivity, hope, courage, imagination, and resilience.

Preference is accorded to applicants with no prior enrollment at Columbia University. This full-time, residential fellowship cannot be concurrently pursued with another degree program.

Application Process

An all-online application process requires the submission of:

A filled online application form.
Resume/curriculum vitae.
Personal video statement.
Short essay responses.
Proof of English proficiency.
Two recommendation letters.

To apply click here or nominate a candidate, click here.

For more details, visit the Obama Foundation Scholars Program.

Embrace this life-changing opportunity to amplify your impact and join a network of visionary leaders at Columbia University.

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