Applications are currently open for the 2025/2026 Columbia College Obama Establishment Researchers Program. The Obama Establishment Researchers Program at Columbia College unites rising pioneers from the US and all over the planet who have exhibited a guarantee to tracking down answers for difficulties in their networks and nations. Researchers complete a completely financed nine-month residency nearby at Columbia World Ventures (CWP), extending their insight and abilities, and building new limits and organizations to speed up their effect.
Eligibility Requirements
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:
- Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers
- 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
- Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
- Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community
- Have a demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community-orientation, hope, courage, imagination, strategy, accountability, integrity and resilience
Note: Priority will be given to applicants who have not matriculated at Columbia University. The fellowship is a full-time, residential program at Columbia and cannot be undertaken at the same time as a degree program.
Scholars participate in an immersive program that brings together academic, skills-based and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation. Key components of the program include:
- A weekly seminar that runs the length of the academic year, exploring questions in tandem with key global trends including inequality, technological developments, the diffusion of power, population movements, and climate change.
- Personal and professional development workshops designed to strengthen practical skills to enhance Scholars’ ability to lead. Previous workshop topics include conflict management and resolution, public speaking, data analysis and interpretation, and resilience.
- An experiential learning component that engages Scholars in the work of Columbia World Projects.
- Audited coursework that provides Scholars with the flexibility to select and enroll in up to two graduate level courses each semester at Columbia.
- A “Thought Leadership” speaker series that introduces Scholars to seasoned practitioners from the NGO community, philanthropy, government, and international organizations to expand Scholars’ networks and perspectives to help advance their work.
- Partnership with a Columbia faculty adviser selected for their subject matter expertise to provide Scholars with new insights and perspectives to inform Scholars’ work.
- Engagement with the Columbia University community, providing meaningful opportunities for Scholars to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus and gain exposure to different perspectives.
Benefits
The Obama Foundation Scholars program covers the following costs:
- Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
- A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University, if the program is able to convene in person
- All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
- 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
- Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities, if the program is able to convene in person
Application Procedure:
A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:
Complete online application form
Complete the online application form by December 16 at 5 PM EST.
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․
Personal video statement
The individual video explanation ought to be a brief video (no longer than three minutes long) presenting the candidate and their work to the choice board of trustees. Candidates will transfer their video proclamation to a video facilitating administration, as YouTube or Vimeo, and will remember a connection to their video for the web-based application. Extra data on the prerequisites for the individual video explanation can be tracked down in the web-based application.
Responses to short essay questions
The short article questions assist the choice council with understanding the candidate’s work, their inspiration and how the program squeezes into their vocation direction. Candidates will present their paper inquiries in the web-based application.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Columbia University Obama Foundation Scholars Program