Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service 2026

📝 About the Scholarship

The Voyager Scholarship Program is a two-year leadership development and scholarship initiative designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders in public service.

Through a combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, immersive work-travel experiences, and access to a robust network of leaders and mentors, the program equips students with the tools and resources needed to launch impactful careers in public service.

Key Highlights:

• Targets students in their second year of undergraduate studies who will begin their third year in Fall 2026.
• Programming spans two years, focusing on values-based leadership, community-building, and nurturing curiosity to deepen commitment to public service careers.

🎁 Benefits

1. Up to $50,000 in Financial Aid

   • Students receive $25,000 per year in "last dollar" financial aid for their junior and senior years of college.
   • This financial aid alleviates the burden of college debt, enabling students to pursue public service careers.

2. Summer Voyage

   • Students receive a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to design their own summer work-travel experience between junior and senior years.
   • This experience allows students to gain exposure to new communities and fields.

3. 10-Year Travel Stipend

   • After graduation, Airbnb provides a $2,000 travel credit annually for 10 years, totaling $20,000.
   • This stipend helps students broaden their horizons and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.

4. Fall Summit

   • During their junior year, students may attend an in-person convening to engage in community-building activities, develop leadership skills, and learn from experienced public service leaders.

5. Network of Leaders

   • Students gain access to an ongoing speaker series and a network of leaders, exposing them to new areas of service and innovations in their fields.
   • After graduation, students join The Obama Foundation’s global community, benefiting from Foundation resources and programming.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be current college sophomores entering their junior year in Fall 2026 at a U.S. four-year institution.
• Demonstrate financial need (similar to FAFSA).
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Show a commitment to a public service career after graduation.
• Be U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.
• Fully participate in monthly programming and develop a Summer Voyage plan.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 17 March, 2026
• To apply, visit the official application portal.

🌐 Scholarship Application Portal

• Learn more about the scholarship on the Obama Foundation website.
• Apply directly via the Voyager Scholarship Application Portal.

For students passionate about public service, the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity to gain financial support, leadership development, and access to a global network of changemakers. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Up to $50,000 in financial aid
• Summer Voyage
• 10-year travel stipend
• Fall Summit
• Network of leaders