Obama Foundation Scholars

When local leaders are paired with institutional resources and global networks, solutions gain the power to scale.

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University connects rising changemakers from around the world with Columbia’s cross-disciplinary experts in an immersive residency at the university.

Please note, we are not accepting applications for a 2026-2027 cohort.

Program Overview

This nine-month experience is designed to deepen the knowledge of social impact leaders who have already demonstrated a commitment to service, providing them with the tools to translate their ambitions into measurable impact.

Curriculum and Residency Components

The residency integrates academic inquiry with practical application through:

• Weekly Seminars: An academic exploration of global trends, including technological development, population movements, and the diffusion of power.
• Skill-Building Workshops: Professional development sessions focused on conflict resolution, public speaking, data interpretation, and resilient leadership.
• Graduate Coursework: Scholars have the flexibility to audit up to two graduate-level courses per semester at one of Columbia University’s schools.
• Faculty Mentorship: Each scholar is paired with a Columbia University faculty adviser selected for their specific subject matter expertise.