Since 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University has welcomed 58 rising leaders from 47 countries who are addressing a range of challenges, including strengthening governance, increasing access to high-quality healthcare, promoting environmental sustainability, advancing women’s rights, and ending gender-based violence.
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Scholars must commit to participating in the full program for the entire academic year. Scholars will not be permitted to continue their current job during their participation in the program. This is a full-time program in which active and engaged participation is key to creating a meaningful experience. During certain portions of breaks, Scholars will engage in program activities with Columbia World Projects and The Obama Foundation.
The Obama Foundation Scholars program is a non-partisan, non-political program that is not affiliated with any political party or entity. They are looking for Scholars who will bring a diverse set of perspectives to the program.
Applicants with spouses/partners and/or children are welcome to apply, but the Obama Foundation Scholars program will only cover costs associated with the Scholar and will not cover costs for family members or partners. Housing allowances and stipends are fixed at a single Scholar rate, and the program will assist with obtaining visas for Scholars only. Additionally, family members will not be permitted to travel with Scholars on program-related trips throughout the year. The program will assist in obtaining visas only for Scholars.
After completing the program, Scholars are expected to return to the country or region of the world where they have been working and continue along a path of service, either through a full-time job or volunteer activities. Upon returning to their countries and regions, Scholars will become part of a lifelong Obama Foundation community with access to a deep network of support. Scholars will have the opportunity to continue to actively engage with the Obama Foundation as program alumni.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
- A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University
- All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
- Basic medical, dental, and life insurance for the duration of the program in New York City
- Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities
Eligibilities
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:
- Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers
- Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region or country, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities
- Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
- Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community
- Have a demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community-orientation, hope, courage, imagination, strategy, accountability, integrity and resilience
Eligible Regions: Open for All
Application Process
A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:
- Resume/curriculum vitae
The resume/curriculum vitae should be a chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements․ - Personal video statement
The personal video statement should be a short video (no longer than three minutes in length) introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee. Applicants will upload their video statement to a video hosting service, like YouTube or Vimeo, and will include a link to their video in the online application. Additional information on the requirements for the personal video statement can be found in the online application. - Responses to short essay questions
The short essay questions help the selection committee understand the applicant’s work, their motivation and how the program fits into their career trajectory. Applicants will submit their essay questions in the online application. - Proof of English proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of four exams: The internet-based or paper-based exams of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); or the Duolingo English Test (DET). No other exams will be accepted. - This requirement is waived for applicants who: have completed an undergraduate degree – not a master’s or graduate degree – in a country where English is an official language;
OR
- have previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or DET exams in the last five years and scored at or above the minimum requirement of 100 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), 68 (PTE Academic), or 120 (DET; 75 on the DET taken prior to July 2019). If applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception, they must upload a scanned copy of their score report to the online application to ensure their application is eligible for review. If they did not score at or above the required minimum or no longer have a copy of their old results, they must retake an English proficiency exam.
- Minimum Scores:
TOEFL – Internet-Based Exam: 100
TOEFL – Paper-Based Exam: 600
International English Language Testing System Academic: 7
Pearson Test of English Academic: 68
Duolingo English Test: 120 (75 on the exam taken prior to July 2019)
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: January 19, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
