Deadline: March 17, 2026

Applications are open for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service 2026-2028. The Voyager Scholarship Program is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program. Through a transformational combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors, the Voyager Scholarship is designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders and equip them with the tools and resources they need to launch their careers in public service.

The program identifies students in their second year of undergraduate studies who will be starting their third year in the Fall. Over the course of two years, programming will facilitate opportunities for students to refine their values-based leadership approach, build bridges across communities, and nurture their sense of curiosity as they deepen their commitment to pursuing public service careers.

Benefits

Voyagers will receive the following:

• Up to $50,000 in financial aid: Students will receive up to $25,000 per year in “last dollar” financial aid for their junior and senior years of college. This financial aid should alleviate the burden of college debt so that students can afford to pursue a career in public service.
• Summer Voyage: President Obama and Brian come from different backgrounds but share the fundamental belief that exposure to new places and experiences broadens our horizons and redefines what we believe is possible. Voyagers are provided with a $10,000 stipend and free housing in Airbnb listings (up to $4,200) to carry out an immersive work-travel experience during the summer between their junior and senior years of college. Voyagers may travel within the United States and/or internationally and may choose to complete an internship, volunteer experience, research opportunity, or combination of these as their learning experience. These experiences will broaden their horizons and prepare them for careers in public service.
• 10-year travel stipend: After graduation, Airbnb will provide students with a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years, totaling $20,000. This will allow students to continue to broaden their horizons and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.
• Fall Summit: During their Junior Year, Voyagers may have the option to attend an in-person convening where they will engage in community building activities with fellow Voyagers, build their leadership skills, and learn from experienced leaders in public service.
• Network of leaders: Throughout the program, students will be invited to an ongoing speaker series, giving them access to a network of leaders. This network of leaders will expose them to new areas of service and innovations happening in their fields. After graduation, they will join The Obama Foundation’s global community, providing them with Foundation resources and programming.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet these eligibility requirements both at the time of application and enrollment for the Fall 2026 term.

• Current college Sophomores who plan to enroll full-time in their junior year of study at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States in Fall 2026. Eligible students are:
  • Finishing sophomore year in Spring 2026. Applicants should be considered “juniors” based on the total number of earned credits at their institution by Fall 2026 or having two years of full-time enrollment remaining before earning your Bachelor’s degree
  • Or transferring from a two-year to a four-year college for their 2026-2027 junior academic year
• Demonstrate financial need—this is calculated using a similar formula to the FAFSA.
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Students are required to upload unofficial transcripts as part of the application process.
• Have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
• Plan to pursue a future career in public service upon graduation.
• Be a United States (U.S.) citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident (holders of a Permanent Resident Card), or individuals granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA).
• Able to commit to fully participating in once per month programming including individual meetings with coaches and network connections as well as developing an actionable Summer Voyage plan.

Preference may be given to applicants with no or limited prior engagement with other robust leadership programs with significant financial benefits in their undergraduate experience. Students must demonstrate financial need to be considered for the program.

Application

Applicants will submit their completed applications by Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Time (UTC-6). Applications will then be reviewed and scored by a selection committee. Finalists will be notified in May, and selected Voyagers will be notified in July.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship.