The Obama Scholars Program 2026, a transformative study Columbia University initiative, invites global leaders to a nine-month residency at Columbia University in New York City, a top-tier research institution founded in 1754. Launched in 2018 by the Obama Foundation, this US leadership programs residency, hosted by Columbia World Projects (CWP), empowers emerging leaders from 60+ countries to address global challenges in Governance, Healthcare Access, Environmental Sustainability, Women’s Rights, Education, and Civic Engagement. As a global impact catalyst, the program fosters an immersive leadership odyssey, equipping scholars to drive innovation and community transformation.

The Obama Scholars Program engages 12–15 scholars annually in a non-degree, full-time residency. Scholars participate in weekly seminars exploring global trends like climate change, inequality, and technological disruption, alongside experiential projects with CWP. Governance leaders develop policy frameworks, while Healthcare scholars advance equity solutions. Environmental Sustainability candidates innovate green strategies, and Education advocates enhance learning systems, contributing to global knowledge. With 82 alumni since 2018, scholars join a global network, collaborating with UN, World Bank, and local NGOs, with 20% launching impact-driven initiatives post-residency.

The Obama Scholars Program 2026 promotes global leadership networking. Scholars connect with peers, Columbia faculty, and industry experts from over 100 countries, engaging in leadership workshops, thought leadership series, and community events through the Obama Foundation and Columbia Global. The program’s inclusivity framework fosters diverse perspectives, aligning with U.S. global engagement goals. Campus events, like New York’s Climate Week, Columbia’s World Leaders Forum, or Brooklyn Book Festival, and scholar-led initiatives, such as CWP Forums, enrich the dynamic leadership experience, enhancing cross-cultural collaboration.

Studying in New York City, scholars experience an immersive leadership odyssey. They explore landmarks like Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or Statue of Liberty, immersing in America’s cultural vibrancy. Events like New York Fashion Week, UN General Assembly, or Manhattan’s Lunar New Year deepen engagement. Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus, with advanced research facilities, libraries, and innovation hubs, supports a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to London, Nairobi, and Singapore. New York’s safe, dynamic environment (U.S. News Best Cities 2025) complements leadership pursuits.

Join a global cohort to champion leadership excellence, embrace U.S. cultural diversity, and shape a transformative future with Obama Scholars Program 2026!

Obama Foundation Scholars Program in the USA 2026 :

Host Country:

•The USA.

Host University:

•University of Columbia.

Program Duration:

•The program duration is months.

Benefits of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program in the USA:

•A monthly stipend is given.
•Tuition and other fees are covered.
•Furnished studio apartment within the University of Columbia.
•Medical, dental, and life insurance is provided.
•Air travel facility to and from the home country is provided.

Eligibility Criteria of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program in the USA:

1. Emerging leaders across the world can apply.

2. People, who have made significant contributions to their fields can apply.

3. Must possess leadership skills.

4. Must have proven commitment to their services.

5. Must be committed to returning to their communities after completion of the program.

6. Should be able to implement their training, skills, and networking for the benefit of their communities.

7. Should be fluent in oral and written English language.

8. Should be able to shape the future of their communities positively.

9. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

Documents/Information required for the Obama Foundation Leadership Program:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.

3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

11. Personal video statement.

12. Answers to short questions.

Scholarship Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in December 2025.

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.