The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service: Shaping Future Leaders
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, a program funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO, to the Obama Foundation, aims to cultivate the next generation of public service leaders. This scholarship, administered by the Obama Foundation, provides financial aid, travel opportunities, and a network of support to students with a passion for public service. It's designed to alleviate the burden of college debt, enabling students to pursue careers in government, non-profits, or the private sector focused on public good.
A Comprehensive Scholarship Package
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship offers a multifaceted support system for its recipients. The program targets students who plan to enroll full-time in their junior year of study at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States and aspire to a career in public service upon graduation.
The scholarship provides:
- Financial Aid: Up to $25,000 per year for the student’s junior and senior years ($50,000 total) to alleviate the burden of college debt. This "last dollar" financial aid covers remaining tuition and/or living costs.
- Summer Voyage: A $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing for a “Summer Voyage” to pursue a summer work-travel experience between the junior and senior years in college. With a budget of $10,000, students design their own summer voyage between their junior and senior year of college. The experience allows students to pursue internships or mentorship opportunities anywhere in the world that broadens their horizons and prepares them for careers in public service. Students can also stay in homes on Airbnb using credits provided by Airbnb.
- 10-Year Travel Stipend: After graduation, awardees receive a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years (for a total of $20,000). This allows students to continue to broaden their horizons and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.
- Fall Summit: Voyagers are invited to an annual Fall Summit, which includes a meeting with President Obama, Brian Chesky, and other leaders. They also get access to a network of other Voyagers and alumni with whom they can connect at the summit and beyond.
- A Network of Leaders: Throughout the program, students are invited to an ongoing speaker series, giving them access to a network of leaders that exposes them to new areas of service and innovations happening in their fields.
The Voyager's Profile: Qualities and Aspirations
The Voyager Scholarship seeks young individuals from across the United States who demonstrate a deep curiosity about the world and a strong desire to effect positive change. Successful applicants typically possess the following qualities:
- Commitment to Public Service: A demonstrated interest and involvement in serving their communities.
- Global Curiosity: A genuine interest in exploring different cultures and perspectives.
- Vision for the Future: Big plans and aspirations for making a meaningful impact on the world.
- Leadership Potential: Exhibited leadership qualities and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
The application process requires candidates to articulate their public service path, create a 2-minute video explaining their motivations, and describe experiences where they implemented positive change within a community. Applicants also reflect on times when their opinions differed from others and how they approached those conversations, as well as challenges they have overcome.
Read also: Obama's Daughter Graduates
Spotlight on Voyager Scholars
Several outstanding students have already been named to the inaugural cohort of Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholars, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and interests.
- Muluberehan: A Louisville native and graduate of duPont Manual High School, Muluberehan is a student at UofL and a recipient of the prestigious Woodford R. Porter Scholarship. She hopes to study human rights law and work in education in her parents’ home country of Ethiopia.
- Iman Ahmad: A government major interested in civil rights and immigration, has been awarded an Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. Currently studying for a term at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Ahmad traces her interest in immigration law to her family. She wants to help anyone whose rights are being violated or overlooked, including both documented and undocumented immigrants.
These scholars exemplify the qualities the Voyager Scholarship seeks to cultivate: a commitment to service, a global perspective, and a drive to create a more just and equitable world.
The Impact and Vision
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it's an investment in the future of public service. By providing financial support, travel opportunities, and access to a powerful network of leaders, the scholarship empowers young people to pursue their passions and make a meaningful difference in the world.
President Obama emphasized the importance of ordinary people getting involved and engaged to create change. He expressed confidence that these young Voyagers believe in a fairer and more inclusive world and are ready to address important challenges in new ways. Brian Chesky echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Voyagers' commitment to serving their communities and their deep curiosity about the world.
The scholarship aims to address the need for young leaders who can bridge divides and solve global challenges. By shaping such leaders, the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship seeks to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Read also: Development of Obama Learning Academy
Applying for the Voyager Scholarship
Students interested in applying for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements. The Obama Foundation website provides detailed information about the program, including application deadlines, required materials, and selection criteria.
Applicants are encouraged to showcase their passion for public service, their global curiosity, and their vision for creating positive change. The application process is designed to identify students who have the potential to become future leaders in their communities and beyond.
Read also: Empowering Arizona Students
tags: #Obama #Chesky #Scholarship #for #Public #Service
