The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a highly competitive, fully sponsored leadership development initiative designed to empower and connect emerging changemakers (Leaders) across specific regional cohorts (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe). The program, lasting approximately 8-12 hours per month from September 2026 to May 2027, focuses on values-based leadership, small group discussions, and individualized coaching to prepare participants for issues at the systems level. Eligibility requires being 24-45 years old by July 15, 2025, demonstrating at least three years of relevant leadership experience, and being professionally proficient in English.
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Fully Sponsored Obama Foundation Leaders Program Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution | Obama Foundation |
| Country | Global (Regional Focus: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe) |
| Degree Level | Leadership Fellowship / Training Program |
| Target Audience | Emerging Changemakers (Age 24-45) |
| Coverage | Full Sponsorship of Program Elements, Leadership Training, Networking |
| Reward Value/Range | Full Sponsorship + Leadership Coaching + Global Network |
| Deadline | December 12, 2025 |
| Duration | Sept 2026 – May 2027 (Approx. 8-12 hours per month) |
Fully Sponsored Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2026/2027
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program aims to inspire, empower, and connect regional cohorts of changemakers, helping them accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities. This highly competitive program seeks to cultivate a global network of emerging leaders who are committed to forging societies rooted in shared values, where all people belong, participate, and thrive.
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Inspired by President Obama’s leadership approach, the program engages participants in full group sessions, small group discussions, and individualized leadership coaching to help them define a values-based foundation for sustained leadership and prepare to engage with issues at the systems level.
Key Benefits and Program Structure
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program provides comprehensive support, focused on leadership development and global networking, structured into three key tiers:
Tier 1: Comprehensive Leadership Development
- Individualized Leadership Coaching: Participants receive dedicated coaching to help define a values-based foundation for sustained leadership and deepen their individual approach.
- Practical Tools and Training: Access to workshops and sessions focused on acquiring practical tools and skills necessary for effective, ethical changemaking.
- Conversations with Thought Leaders: Opportunities to engage with global thought leaders on pressing challenges and opportunities.
Tier 2: Global Network and Community
- Leadership Network: Upon completion, Obama Leaders immediately join the exclusive, global Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network for sustained connection and collaboration.
- Community Groups: Participation in small community groups designed for deep personal reflection and interpersonal learning with peers from diverse backgrounds.
- Cultural Programming: Engagement in curated cultural programming that showcases the richness of the applied region.
Tier 3: Full Program Sponsorship
- Full Sponsorship: The program is fully sponsored, meaning there is no cost for participation. This typically covers all necessary program elements, including any potential travel and lodging for required in-person gatherings (if applicable to the specific cohort).
- Flexible Commitment: The program requires an average time commitment of 8-12 hours per month, running from September 1, 2026, to May 1, 2027.
Eligibility Requirements for Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2026
Applicants MUST fulfill the following requirements to be considered for the Leaders Program:
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in your issue area.
- Must possess a clear issue of focus and be able to describe or measure your impact so far.
- Must hold a leadership position in your changemaking work (full-time or volunteer).
- Must demonstrate a deeply ethical, values-based, equitable, and collaborative approach to leadership.
- Study Status:
- Must be professionally proficient in English (spoken and written) to fully participate in the program elements.
- Visa Status:
- You must meet one of the criteria below for the region in which you are applying:
- You are a citizen or 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.
- Program Admission:
- Age: You must be between 24 and 45 years old on July 15, 2025.
- Geographic Focus: Your current and future work must be geographically focused on creating positive change in an eligible nation/territory within the region you are applying (Africa, Asia-Pacific, or Europe).
- Political Campaigns: You must not be engaging in an electoral campaign for political office between February 1 and July 15, 2025.
How to Apply for Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is entirely online. Follow these four steps to submit your candidacy:
- Navigate to the Portal: Use the application link below to visit the program’s webpage and access the application section.
- Create and Login: Create an account and login to the online application portal to begin filling out the required sections.
- Complete All Sections: Answer all prompts thoroughly, guided by the application guidelines and questions PDF available for download. Focus on demonstrating your values-based leadership and measurable impact.
- Final Submission: At the end of the application, be sure to click on EACH submit button on successive screens to ensure your entire application is properly finalized and submitted before the deadline.
Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline to apply for the 2026 Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
The final deadline for submitting the application for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program is December 12, 2025.
2. Which three major geographic regions are currently eligible for the program?
The program is currently accepting applications from emerging leaders based in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe.
3. What are the age requirements for potential applicants?
Applicants must be between 24 and 45 years old as of July 15, 2025.
4. What is the minimum required leadership experience?
Candidates must be able to demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in their issue area or field of changemaking work.
5. What is the expected time commitment for participants?
The program requires a commitment averaging 8 to 12 hours per month, running from September 2026 to May 2027.
6. Does the program offer a financial stipend for participants?
While the program is fully sponsored (covering all program costs), the provided materials do not explicitly mention a separate monthly financial stipend for living expenses.
7. What are the language proficiency requirements?
All applicants must be professionally proficient in English (both spoken and written) as the program content and discussions are conducted in English.
8. Are citizens or residents of South Asian countries eligible to apply for this particular program?
No, the program explicitly states that residents of South Asian countries are not eligible for this cohort, though future programs are expected to be offered for that region.
9. Are there any restrictions related to political campaigns?
Yes, applicants must confirm they will not be engaging in an electoral campaign for political office between February 1 and July 15, 2025.
10. What happens after a participant completes the Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
Upon completion, participants automatically become part of the Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network, which offers continued networking and engagement opportunities.
