The Obamas and Brian Chesky Introduce Third Cohort of Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service Recipients
August 27, 2024 at 8:15 AM CDT
Recipients show notable interest in public health, particularly mental health, after graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic
CHICAGO – Today, President and Mrs. Obama and Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, announced their third cohort of Voyager Scholarship recipients, 100 college juniors who plan to pursue a career in public service. Building on the success of the first two cohorts, this new group of “Voyagers” are a testament to the Obama Foundation's commitment to fostering emerging leaders dedicated to addressing global challenges and building bridges in communities around the world.
The scholarship, created to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders, is funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Chesky to the Obama Foundation and is a two-year program that provides essential tools and resources to help students launch their careers in public service. The two-year program offers a transformative, comprehensive support package that includes financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and access to a strong network of Obama Foundation leaders and mentors.
The new cohort consists of 100 students from 35 states and territories, representing 60 colleges and universities across the United States. We're particularly excited to welcome Voyagers from American Samoa, Guam, and South Carolina—states and territories that have not been represented previously.
“When Michelle, Brian, and I launched the Voyager Scholarship in 2022, we were excited to see what young people with a passion for public service could do when given the right support,” said President Obama. “The past two cohorts have shown tremendous passion, curiosity, and collaboration – all while working hard across their college campuses. Today, as we welcome our third cohort of Voyagers, I’m more hopeful than ever that our future is in good hands.”
“We created the Voyager Scholarship to help the next generation of leaders build bridges and develop the tools needed to take on the next generation of challenges,” said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. “The first two classes of Voyagers traveled to 80 countries, and embodied the spirit of creativity and community that are at the heart of this program. I’m thrilled to welcome our third cohort of Voyagers, and am inspired by how the program is evolving, with each group building on the last to design a better future."
This scholarship extends beyond financial support—it offers students impactful travel experiences that enrich their connections to new communities and cultures. The 2023-2025 cohort of Voyagers, now returning from their travel experiences through their “Summer Voyages,” explored 63 countries and 23 U.S. states and territories. The new class will have multiple opportunities to connect with past cohorts, sharing insights and building relationships.
The Obamas and Chesky are passionate about the transformative effect that exposure to diverse cultures and experiences can have on young people. In addition to their independent travels and personalized career coaching, Voyagers meet virtually each month to share insights, discuss challenges, and foster relationships both at home and abroad.
For more information about the Voyager Scholarship visit obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship/.
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Contact: Gloria Nlewedim Eichar, press@obama.org