Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2020-2021 at Columbia University are now Open

Application for the 2020-2021 Obama Foundation Scholars Program is now open. The application form along with a list of eligibility requirements and detailed application instructions are provided below. The deadline to submit your application is 12:00pm EST on December 13.  

Eligibility Requirements

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The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks
rising leaders from around the world who meet the following criteria:

• Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a
  community, region or country outside the United States, 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 emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “tipping point” in their careers
   
• 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 humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination and teamwork

Scholar Benefits

• 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

Steps to begin your Application

A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:

Complete online application form

The deadline to apply is 12:00pm EST on December 13.
Go here to start and Complete the online application form.

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․

Three letters of recommendation

Three 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

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 three 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); or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). No other exams will be accepted.

More requirements which are not listed in this page will be needed so kindly head to the official scholarship site for full details about the application.