Scholarship Overview
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What Is the Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is an eight-month, global virtual leadership development journey designed for changemakers aged 24 to 45. The program brings together diverse cohorts from across sectors to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen their values-based leadership. It is completely free to all participants and operates across four regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States.
Upon completion, Leaders become part of the Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network—a growing community of civically active alumni developing tangible solutions to today’s greatest challenges.
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Program Structure and Time Commitment
Participants dedicate 8–12 hours per month to the program. The curriculum connects cohorts through:
- Virtual group sessions: Facilitated discussions and workshops across regions
- Collaborative peer-led spaces: Small group learning with fellow changemakers
- Individualized coaching: One-on-one support to build a values-driven leadership foundation
The program supports leaders from the public, private, and civil society sectors to deepen their impact, explore values-based leadership, and drive lasting systems-level change.
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Regional Programs
Leaders: Africa
A six-month virtual leadership development program building a network of innovative, values-based changemakers who will drive positive change in their communities, the continent, and the world.
Leaders: Asia-Pacific
An eight-month hybrid leadership program helping leaders develop values-based leadership to advance inclusive and lasting change in their communities, the region, and globally.
Leaders: Europe
An eight-month virtual leadership development program inspiring, empowering, and connecting leaders to advance inclusive and lasting change throughout Europe and across the world.
Leaders: United States
An eight-month virtual leadership development program inspiring, empowering, and connecting leaders across the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
The program is open to leaders who meet the following criteria:
- Age: 24 to 45 years old at time of application
- Location: Based in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, or the United States
- Sector: Active in public, private, or civil society sectors
- Commitment: Able to dedicate 8–12 hours monthly for the program duration
- Language: Proficiency in English (program conducted in English)
The Foundation explicitly seeks diverse viewpoints and backgrounds. There is no requirement for formal education credentials or specific professional titles.
Application Timeline
Priority Deadline: November 23, 2026
Applications submitted by this deadline will be considered for the 2027–2028 cohort. The Foundation encourages early submission but has not published information about rolling admissions or final deadlines beyond the priority date.
What the Program Covers
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is completely free to all participants. The Foundation does not publish specific details about additional financial support such as stipends, technology allowances, or travel grants. The program is delivered virtually, removing geographic and relocation barriers.
Application Process
The Foundation accepts applications through its online portal. Based on standard leadership fellowship procedures, applicants should prepare to:
- Visit the official Obama Foundation website and navigate to the Leaders Program page
- Select your regional program (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, or United States)
- Complete the online application form with personal and professional information
- Submit responses to essay questions about your leadership journey and impact goals
- Provide professional references or recommendations as requested
- Submit by the November 23, 2026 priority deadline
The Foundation does not publish specific document requirements. Applicants should monitor their email for updates after submission.
Selection Process and Competitiveness
The Obama Foundation does not publish acceptance rates or cohort sizes. Selection emphasizes:
- Demonstrated commitment to creating positive change
- Potential for values-based leadership growth
- Diversity of perspective and experience
- Readiness to engage fully with the program community
Previous participants describe transformative experiences, including shifts from “advocacy to coaching” and from “performing competence to practicing presence.”
Alumni Network and Long-Term Benefits
Graduates join the Obama Leadership Network, gaining:
- Lifelong connection to a global community of civically active leaders
- Opportunities for continued collaboration and peer support
- Access to Foundation resources and events
- Platform for amplifying impact and sharing solutions
Tips for African Applicants
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region applying to Leaders: Africa:
- Emphasize community-level impact and systems-change potential
- Highlight cross-sector collaboration experience
- Demonstrate how your work connects local challenges to continental or global frameworks
- Prepare for virtual engagement—reliable internet access is essential
- Connect your leadership journey to values explicitly (integrity, empathy, courage)
Official scholarship page: https://obama.org/programs/leaders/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
