OBAMA FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:

1. Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers.
2. Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region, or country coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities.
3. Are fluent in verbal, written, and spoken English.
4. Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community.
5. Have a demonstrated commitment to humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination, and teamwork. For the academic years, we are extending the application to U.S. citizens and residents who are making significant contributions to communities, countries, or regions within the United States as part of the cohort of Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University in addition to seeking leaders from around the world.

Stated amount: Not Available The Obama Foundation Scholars Program covers the following costs:

1. A monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City.
2. A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University, if the program is able to convene in-person.
3. All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University.
4. Basic medical, dental and life insurance for the duration of the program in New York City, if the program is able to convene in person.
5. Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities, if the program is able to convene in person. Click here for more information

Click here for more information Complete the online application form for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University by February 5, at 5:00 PM ET. Any applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Interested applicants must complete and submit an application through the Obama Foundation Scholars Program online application system. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:

1. Resume/curriculum vitae The resume/curriculum vitae should be a chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements․
2. Personal video statement The personal video statement should be a short video (no longer than three minutes in length) introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee. Applicants will upload their video statement to a video hosting service, like YouTube or Vimeo, and will include a link to their video in the online application. Additional information on the requirements for the personal video statement can be found in the online application.
3. Responses to short essay questions The short essay questions help the selection committee understand the applicant's work, their motivation and how the program fits into their career trajectory. Applicants will submit their essay questions in the online application.
4. Proof of English proficiency Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of four exams: The internet-based or paper-based exams of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); or the Duolingo English Test (DET). No other exams will be accepted. This requirement is waived for applicants who: Have completed an undergraduate degree - not a master's degree - in a country where English is an official language; OR Have previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or DET exams in the last five years and scored at or above the minimum requirement of 100 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), 68 (PTE Academic), or 120 (DET; 75 on the DET taken prior to July). If applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception, they must upload a scanned copy of their score report to the online application to ensure their application is eligible for review. If they did not score at or above the required minimum or no longer have a copy of their old results, they must retake an English proficiency exam. Minimum Scores
5. TOEFL – Internet-Based Exam: 100
6. TOEFL – Paper-Based Exam: 600
7. International English Language Testing System Academic: 7
8. Pearson Test of English Academic: 68
9. Duolingo English Test: 120 (75 on the exam taken prior to July) Two letters of recommendation Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant and the applicant's work in an academic, professional or community service setting. Recommendations should directly address the applicant's suitability for admission to the Obama Foundation Scholars Program. Recommendations should not be written by family members or friends.