The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is designed to inspire, strengthen, and connect emerging changemakers across regions to help them build lasting, positive impact in their communities and beyond.
The program cultivates leaders who are committed to building societies rooted in inclusion, participation, shared values, and sustainable transformation.
Program Summary
- Host: Obama Foundation
- Category: Training | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | Leadership Training | Networking Opportunities
- Deadline: December 12, 2025
Program Details
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program first launched in Africa in 2018 and later expanded to Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States. The program brings together diverse cohorts of emerging leaders to learn, collaborate, and strengthen values-based leadership practice.
Through group sessions, peer discussions, and personalized leadership coaching, participants develop skills to lead more effectively, collaborate across cultures, and influence systems-level change within their communities and regions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Based in Region: You must currently reside in one of the eligible countries or territories in:
- Africa: All countries on the African continent
- Asia-Pacific: (List of eligible territories as provided above)
- Europe: Any of the 46 Council of Europe member states and Kosovo
- Citizenship/Residency: You must meet at least one:
- Citizen of an eligible country
- Permanent resident of an eligible country
- Refugee or asylum seeker in an eligible country
- Have lived in an eligible country for 5+ years
- Geographic Focus: Your work should directly benefit your community or region
- Leadership Experience: Minimum of 3 years experience in your field
- Age Requirement: 24–45 years old by July 15, 2025
- Language: Professional proficiency in English
- Political Neutrality: You must not be participating in an electoral political campaign between February 1 and July 15, 2025
Program Benefits
Participants (referred to as Obama Leaders) will engage for 8–12 hours per month, taking part in:
- Weekly leadership development sessions
- Practical tools for values-based leadership
- Coaching and mentorship
- Collaborative community group work
- Discussions with global thought leaders
- Cultural programming and storytelling
- Guided reflection and shared learning spaces
Upon completion, participants join the Obama Foundation Leadership Network, a lifelong community of changemakers.
Program Duration
- Begins: Week of September 1, 2026
- Ends: By May 1, 2027
- Includes scheduled breaks throughout the program duration.
Selection Criteria
Ideal applicants typically:
- Have a clear issue area and measurable impact
- Hold a leadership role (formal or informal)
- Demonstrate ethical, inclusive, and collaborative leadership
- Show willingness to learn, reflect, and contribute in group settings
How to Apply
To apply for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program:
- Visit the application page using the link provided below
- Create an account and begin your application
- Ensure that you click the submit button on each page before finalizing
- A downloadable PDF guide of all application questions is available
To apply for this program, click HERE
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