MastersFully Funded

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development

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The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development - Trainee Programs, Post a Comment

Provider: Various
Host country: United States
Deadline: September (annual)
Region: Americas

Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Emerging leaders from underrepresented communities globally; admitted to a 1-year non-degree programme at Columbia (SIPA / Business / Law); 2+ years of leadership experience.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: September (annual)

Key eligibility criteria

Emerging leaders from underrepresented communities globally; admitted to a 1-year non-degree programme at Columbia (SIPA / Business / Law); 2+ years of leadership experience.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development (2026)

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University is geared towards students undertaking a leadership development program. Through the opportunity, recipients will be granted a fully-funded scholarship in the hopes of bringing together rising leaders, both from the United States and around the world. Over the course of an academic year at Columbia University, Obama Foundation Scholars shall be able to deepen their knowledge and skills and build new capacities and networks to accelerate their impact within their home countries. **Application deadline:** December 22, 2021 YouTube Tap to unmute Video unavailable This video is unavailable [Visit YouTube to search for more videos](https://www.youtube.com/) 1x - [Benefits of The Obama Foundation Scholars Program](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-benefits-of-the-obama-foundation-scholars-program) - [Eligibility Criteria for Leadership Development Students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-eligibility-criteria-for-leadership-development-students) - [How to Apply at Columbia University](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-how-to-apply-at-columbia-university) - [Complete online application form](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-complete-online-application-form) - [Resume/curriculum vitae](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-resume-curriculum-vitae) - [Personal video statement](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-personal-video-statement) - [Responses to short essay questions](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-responses-to-short-essay-questions) - [Proof of English proficiency](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-proof-of-english-proficiency) - [Two letters of recommendation](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#h-two-letters-of-recommendation) * * * Stay in the loop! Get weekly updates on new scholarships offerings here. * * * ## Benefits of The Obama Foundation Scholars Program Scholars of the program shall take part 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 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 movement, 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 though leadership speaker series** that introduces scholars to seasoned practitioners from the NGO community, philanthropy, government, and international organizations to expand scholars’ network 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. - Meaningful opportunities for scholars to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus and gain exposure to different perspectives by engaging with the **Columbia University community.** Under the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University, recipients will be able to receive the following benefits: - A 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. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/social-scholars.png?resize=1024%2C505&ssl=1) ## Eligibility Criteria for Leadership Development Students 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 ## How to Apply at Columbia University If you’re interested to pursue a slot in The Obama Foundation Scholars Program, please take note of the following materials and instructions: ### Complete online application form Complete the [online application form](https://cwp.embark.com/login/apply?target=2022) by December 22 at 5 PM ET. ### 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 personal video statement should be a short video (no longer than three minutes in length) introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee. Applicants will upload their video statement to a video hosting service, like YouTube or Vimeo, and will include a link to their video in the online application. Additional information on the requirements for the personal video statement can be found in the online application. ### Responses to short essay questions The short essay questions help the selection committee understand the applicant’s work, their motivation, and how the program fits into their career trajectory. Applicants will submit their essay questions in the online application. ### Proof of English proficiency Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of four exams: The internet-based or paper-based exams of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); or the Duolingo English Test (DET). **No other exams will be accepted.** This requirement is waived for applicants who: - have completed an undergraduate degree – not a master’s or graduate degree – in a country where English is an official language; OR - have previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or DET exams in the last five years and scored at or above the minimum requirement of 100 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), 68 (PTE Academic), or 120 (DET; 75 on the DET taken prior to July 2019). If applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception, they must upload a scanned copy of their score report to the online application to ensure their application is eligible for review. If they did not score at or above the required minimum or no longer have a copy of their old results, they must retake an English proficiency exam. _Minimum Scores_ - TOEFL – Internet-Based Exam: 100 - TOEFL – Paper-Based Exam: 600 - International English Language Testing System Academic: 7 - Pearson Test of English Academic: 68 - Duolingo English Test: 120 (75 on the exam taken prior to July 2019) Please note that while applicants who received scores below the posted minimums may still apply, applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed. ### Two letters of recommendation Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant and the applicant’s work in an academic, professional or community service setting. Recommendations should directly address the applicant’s suitability for admission to the Obama Foundation Scholars program. Recommendations should not be written by family members or friends. * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. Be a part of our growing community! **JOIN:** [Scholarships for Africans Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScholarshipsforAfricans) **LIKE:** [African Scholar Initiative Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AfricanScholarInitiative) **FOLLOW:** [Scholarships for Africans Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/african_scholar/) ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=facebook&nb=1) - [Share on X (Opens in new window)X](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=twitter&nb=1) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=linkedin&nb=1) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Telegram](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=telegram&nb=1) - [More](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#) - [Print (Opens in new window)Print](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/#print?share=print&nb=1) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=reddit&nb=1) - [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Tumblr](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=tumblr&nb=1) - [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-obama-foundation-scholars-program-at-columbia-university-on-leadership-development/?share=pinterest&nb=1) ### Like this: LikeLoading... ### _Related_ [Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Full List of Available Scholarships for Africans](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-full-list-of-available-scholarships-for-africans/ "Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Full List of Available Scholarships for Africans ") [Obama Foundation Fellowship Program 2019 for civic innovators (Fully Funded)](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/obama-foundation-fellowship-program/ "Obama Foundation Fellowship Program 2019 for civic innovators (Fully Funded)") [University of Pretoria Masters Scholarships for Africans via MasterCard Foundation](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-pretoria-masters-scholarships-for-africans-via-mastercard-foundation/ "University of Pretoria Masters Scholarships for Africans via MasterCard Foundation") In[leadership program](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/leadership-program/), [Obama Foundation](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/obama-foundation/), [scholarship program](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/scholarship-program/) ## One thought on “The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development” 1. 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Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Emerging leaders from underrepresented communities globally; admitted to a 1-year non-degree programme at Columbia (SIPA / Business / Law); 2+ years of leadership experience.

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://cwp.embark.com/login/apply?target=2022 to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Emerging leaders from underrepresented communities globally; admitted to a 1-year non-degree programme at Columbia (SIPA / Business / Law); 2+ years of leadership experience.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: September (annual). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: September (annual). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
September (annual)
Provider deadline information: September (annual). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development?+

Emerging leaders from underrepresented communities globally; admitted to a 1-year non-degree programme at Columbia (SIPA / Business / Law); 2+ years of leadership experience.

What funding does the The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University on Leadership Development offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: September (annual). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://cwp.embark.com/login/apply?target=2022 to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Emerging leaders from underrepresented communities globally; admitted to a 1-year non-degree programme at Columbia (SIPA / Business / Law); 2+ years of leadership experience.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: September (annual). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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