The Obama Foundation has opened applications for its 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, offering college students a transformative path toward meaningful careers in public service. This competitive program, made possible through a $100 million contribution from Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky, addresses the financial barriers that often prevent talented young people from pursuing service-oriented careers while simultaneously providing them with invaluable real-world experience across the globe.
The scholarship represents more than just financial assistance. It offers a comprehensive support system designed to cultivate the next generation of changemakers who are committed to bridging divides and creating positive impact in their communities. Students with demonstrated financial need can receive up to $50,000 in last-dollar scholarship funding, eliminating the burden of college debt that frequently forces graduates to abandon public service aspirations for more lucrative career paths.
Building bridges through immersive travel experiences
What sets the Voyager Scholarship apart from traditional academic funding is its emphasis on experiential learning through travel. Recipients participate in a Summer Voyage between their junior and senior years, receiving a $10,000 stipend plus free housing in Airbnb listings valued up to $4,200. During this transformative summer, students design their own work-travel experiences, choosing internships, volunteer opportunities and research projects that align with their public service interests.
The impact of these summer experiences has been remarkable. Last summer alone, the 2024-2026 cohort explored 61 countries and 24 U.S. states and territories, immersing themselves in diverse communities and gaining firsthand exposure to global challenges and solutions. These voyages allow students to test their theories in real-world settings, develop cultural competency, and forge connections that will serve them throughout their careers.
Cultivating leaders through mentorship and community
Beyond financial support and travel opportunities, the program connects scholars with an extensive network of leaders and mentors from The Obama Foundation’s global community. Through monthly virtual programming sessions, students participate in speaker series, mentorship roundtables, and coaching sessions that help them refine their leadership approaches and clarify their public service paths.
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, emphasized the program’s core belief in human potential. Ordinary people have the capacity to accomplish extraordinary things, she explained, and this scholarship helps hundreds of young people prepare to transform the world. The foundation’s excitement about empowering another group of students reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting those who pursue their passions and purpose through impactful experiences both domestically and internationally.
Long-term investment in public service careers
The scholarship’s benefits extend well beyond graduation. After completing their undergraduate degrees, recipients receive $2,000 in Airbnb travel credit annually for 10 years, totaling $20,000. This sustained support enables young professionals to continue expanding their expertise, building relationships, and exploring new approaches to the challenges they’re addressing in their public service work.
Students also gain membership in The Obama Foundation’s global alumni community, accessing ongoing resources and programming designed to enhance their changemaking efforts. This lifelong connection ensures that Voyagers remain supported as they navigate the complexities of public service careers and continue developing their leadership capacities.
Application details and upcoming information sessions
The Obama Foundation will award scholarships to 100 students from colleges and universities throughout the United States and its territories. Interested applicants must submit their applications by March 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM United States Central Time. During their junior year, scholars have the option to attend an in-person fall summit featuring community-building activities, leadership skill development, and conversations with established public service leaders.
To help prospective applicants understand the program and navigate the application process, The Obama Foundation is hosting several virtual information sessions in February and March. These sessions will cover eligibility requirements, application components, and what makes a strong candidate. Information sessions are scheduled for February 10, February 19, February 25, March 6, and March 10 at various times to accommodate different schedules.
Since launching in 2022, the program has already supported 400 students, demonstrating both The Obama Foundation and Chesky’s commitment to empowering young leaders who refuse to accept the status quo. These scholars are learning to redefine what is possible through public service, developing the skills and confidence necessary to tackle complex social challenges. The fifth cohort will join this growing community of changemakers who believe in bridging divides and creating a more equitable future for all.
Source: AFRO
