The application for the 2027/2028 Obama Leaders program is now open. The application closes in Dec. 4.
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Application Deadline & Key Dates:
- Priority Application Deadline: 23 November 2026
- Final Application Closing Deadline: 4 December 2026 at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (GMT-6) / 7:00 PM WAT
- Cohort Program Span: 2027–2028 Cohort (8-month virtual leadership development journey)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a prestigious, eight-month global virtual leadership development journey designed for diverse, values-driven changemakers across the public, private, and civil society sectors. The program connects regional cohorts to collaborate, share insights, build leadership frameworks, and tackle pressing local and global challenges. Upon completion, participants join the lifelong Obama Foundation Leadership Network.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- All Sectors & Issue Areas: Civil society, public service, private enterprise, community advocacy, social entrepreneurship, human rights, education, health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Type:
Fully Funded Global Leadership Fellowship & Virtual Professional Development Journey
Who can Apply:
- Age Requirement: Must be between 24 and 45 years old at the time of application.
- Geographic Scope: Open to changemakers across four global regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States.
- Language Proficiency: Conversant in English to fully participate in virtual group sessions, collaborative spaces, and coaching calls.
- Cost: Completely free to all accepted participants.
How Applicants Are Selected:
The Obama Foundation uses a holistic selection approach, seeking leaders from across diverse backgrounds, issue areas, and perspectives who demonstrate a commitment to values-based leadership, community impact, and systems-level change.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Specifically targeting applicants residing within the four covered regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States).
Where will the Program be Taken:
- Virtual / Global: 8-month virtual leadership journey (requiring approximately 8–12 hours per month of commitment through online sessions, peer spaces, and coaching).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Selective regional cohorts representing Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Values-Based Leadership Training: 8–12 hours per month of virtual group sessions, collaborative peer-led spaces, and individualized coaching.
- Global Community: Direct collaboration with a diverse cohort of international changemakers.
- Lifelong Network Access: Lifetime membership in the Obama Foundation Leadership Network upon graduation.
Required Application Documents:
- General Information: Background details, geographic location, sector, and contact info.
- Resume / CV: Detailed overview of work experience, leadership history, and key achievements.
- Written Responses: 5 to 6 short-answer essay questions (ranging from 50 to 250 words each) reflecting your personal leadership journey and core values.
- 2 Video Responses: Two short videos (up to 2 minutes each, simple phone recordings accepted; formats: MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG) introducing yourself and your work.
- 2 References: Names, email addresses, and affiliations of two individuals who can speak to your character, leadership qualities, and changemaking work.
How to Apply:
- Review the program webpage and regional FAQs on the official Obama Foundation portal to confirm eligibility.
- Set up a free account or sign in with Google/Facebook credentials on the official Submittable application platform.
- Complete all general profile sections, upload your CV, write your short essay responses, record and upload your two 2-minute videos, and input your referee details.
- Submit your application before the priority deadline on 23 November 2026 or the final hard deadline on 4 December 2026 at 12:00 PM US Central Time (7:00 PM WAT).
