Obama Foundation Scholars Program

Institution: Harris School of Public Policy

Country: United States

City (Metropolitan Area): Chicago -- IL

Applicant Eligible Countries: Worldwide

Type of Opportunity: Scholarships

Study Levels: Graduate

Subjects: International Development

Academic Year: 2018 - 2019

Application Deadline: April 17, 2018

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is designed to provide promising future leaders with the support and experiences necessary to take their work to the next level. Hosted by the University of Chicago, the scholars program allows candidates to earn a Master of Arts degree focused on International Development and Policy at the Harris School of Public Policy.

This program invites applicants who are empowered and committed to service. The newly designed curriculum combines leadership experiences as well as academic and hands-on approaches to solving global problems. Through this program, students will engage in powerful networking and social opportunities that will help them solve issues across borders. At the end of this program, each student also has the opportunity to be involved in the recruitment, training, and networking efforts of future rising leaders.

The program consists of rigorous classroom studies along with skills development, leadership seminars, study experiences in New York and Washington, DC, and speaker series with innovators from a variety of industries. Students will also engage in individual and group community service projects, internship placements, and action plan development for post-program plans. Students will also engage with the local community within Chicago and the South Side and receive mentorship through the Obama Foundation network.

The foundation also hosts the Obama Foundation Fellowship program. This program is designed to provide hands-on training and resources to qualified candidates. It consists of four multi-day gatherings over the course of two years and is non-residential. The Obama Foundation Scholars program, on the other hand, is designed to last only one year, but to be completed full-time.

Applications for the 2018-2019 class are due no later than April 17, 2018. Any students who have a commitment to leadership and public service may apply, including those who work in government, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society organizations. There is no country residency requirement. Individuals who have extensive work experience and professional accomplishments, along with those who have a demonstrated commitment to community service, are given preference.

Obama Foundation Scholars Program