The Obama Foundation Invites Rising College Juniors to Apply for the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
January 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM CST
The Obama-Chesky Scholarship supports students interested in pursuing public service careers with an academic scholarship, exposure to travel, and connections to a network of leaders
CHICAGO – Today, the Obama Foundation opened applications for the Voyager Scholarship, The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Airbnb Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky to the Obama Foundation, the Voyager Scholarship provides college students with last-dollar financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them throughout their careers. The two-year scholarship program for U.S.-based students in their junior and senior years of college offers unique opportunities for those who are committed to pursuing careers that serve the public and their communities.
“Last year, as part of our commitment to empower, inspire, and connect people to change their world, we welcomed the inaugural cohort of 100 Voyagers to the Obama Foundation family,” said Obama Foundation Chief Executive Officer Valerie Jarrett. “They represent 35 states and territories, 70 colleges and universities, and are among the brightest and most inspiring young people I have ever met. Each and every one of them shares a passion for public service and the determination to change their world for the better. If this sounds like a rising college junior you know, I hope you will encourage them to apply for the Voyager Scholarship–the Obama Foundation stands ready to empower leaders to bridge divides and take on the biggest challenges of our time.”
Applications are now open to undergraduate students entering their junior year of college in Fall 2023 at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. Students from two-year and four-year colleges are welcome to apply. Voyager Scholarship for Public Service recipients will receive:
Up to $50,000 in financial aid: Students will receive up to $25,000 per year in 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: Students will receive a $10,000 stipend and credits for Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior year of college. The students will design their own Summer Voyage to gain exposure to new communities and experience in a chosen field.
10-year travel stipend: After graduation, Airbnb will provide the students with a $2,000 Airbnb 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: Students will be invited to a fall summit to help define their public service voyage. They’ll hear from guest speakers on different approaches to service and connect with other scholarship recipients.
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.
Applications will be accepted beginning today and must be received by March 22, 2023 at 3:00 PM CT. 100 students will join the second cohort of Voyagers. Accepted students will be notified in July.
For more information and to apply, visit obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship. For more updates from the Obama Foundation, follow us on Facebook (Opens in a new tab), Twitter (Opens in a new tab), and Instagram (Opens in a new tab).
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Contact: Gloria Nlewedim, press@obama.org