The Barack Obama Foundation’s Leaders programme aims to inspire, empower and connect regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and throughout their region.
The 2023 Leaders programme is a six-month virtual leadership development journey. Programmes in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe will run between February 1 and July 15, 2023. For an average of 8-12 hours per month, the programme will bring together 35-member cohorts of emerging leaders from across the regions. Participants will take part in weekly sessions that include:
- Practical tools and training for deepening values-based leadership
- Individualized coaching
- Community groups
- Conversations with thought leaders
- Cultural programming that showcases the richness of diversity in the region
- Curated spaces for deep personal reflection and interpersonal learning with peers
Upon completion of the programme, Obama Leaders will become part of the Obama Foundation’s leadership network—a growing community of civically active, positive role models who are creating tangible solutions to the greatest challenges of our time.
About Obama Foundation
The Barack Obama Foundation is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization founded in 2014. It oversees the creation of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, runs the My Brother's Keeper Alliance (a program Barack Obama began while he was president), and operates a scholarship program through the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.
The foundation held its inaugural summit on October 31, 2017, in Chicago. According to Barack Obama, he intends for his foundation to be central to many of his post-presidential ac... continue reading
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Obama Foundation Global Leaders Programme
Aim and Benefits of Obama Foundation Global Leaders Programme
- Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
- A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University
- All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
- Basic medical, dental and life insurance for the duration of the program
- Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities
- Leadership development programming led by the Obama Foundation that will help scholars gain the real-world skills, tools and experiences to expand the impact of their work when they return home
Requirements for Obama Foundation Global Leaders Programme Qualification
- You must meet one of the criteria below:
- You are a citizen of an eligible nation or territory OR
- You are a permanent resident of an eligible nation or territory OR
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker in an eligible nation or territory OR
- You have lived in an eligible nation or territory for at least the last 5 years, regardless of documentation status.
- You will be between 24- and 45-years-old on July 15, 2023.
- Your current and future work is geographically focused on creating positive change for your local community, an eligible nation or territory, and/or the broader region.
- You can demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in your issue area.
- You are professionally proficient in English (spoken and written).
- You will not be engaging in an electoral campaign for political office between February 1 and July 15, 2023.
- You can commit to fully participating in the entire duration of the program between February 1 and July 15, 2023, which may include an in-person convening (public health, safety, and security conditions permitting) in late June or early July, and up to 12 hours of live virtual programming per month. Participants should have no more than three absences in order to attend the convening and complete the programme.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Obama Foundation Global Leaders Programme
Selection Criteria
Aside from the specific eligibility criteria listed above, the ideal candidate:
- Has a clear issue of focus and can describe the impact they have made: The ideal candidate has been working to advance positive social change on a specific issue or set of issues for at least the last three years and can demonstrate that their work has had a measurable impact in advancing progress on their issue.
- Holds a leadership position in their changemaking work: The ideal candidate holds a leadership role in a civil society organization, start-up or business, the media, or elected office. This could be someone who is the founder or head of an organization, but it could also be someone who leads positive change from within an organization. Candidates do not have to be engaged in this work full-time.
- Stands out for their integrity and values-driven approach to leadership: Ideal candidates demonstrate a deeply ethical, values-based, and collaborative approach to leadership. They are generous leaders, eager to share opportunities and open doors for others. They bring a strong commitment to equity, to inclusion of communities that have been historically marginalized, and to working together to build a brighter future.
- Demonstrates a willingness to learn: Ideal candidates have a keen sense of how much they can learn from others, regardless of their experience level. They bring genuine curiosity and an open mind and are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with their cohort.
- Demonstrates a desire to connect with other changemakers: Ideal candidates seek to collaborate with others in the larger Obama Foundation leadership network in order to have a larger impact.
Application Deadline
October 21, 2022
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Obama Foundation on my.reviewr.com to apply
For more details,visit Obama Foundation website
