Obama Foundation Scholarships Program, 2021-2022 at Columbia University Application Form Is Out (Fully Funded leadership development program), brings together rising leaders from the United States and worldwide who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries, and regions. Over an academic year at Columbia University, Obama Foundation Scholars deepen their knowledge and skills and build new capacities and networks to accelerate their home countries’ impact.
Upon completing the program, Obama Foundation Scholars, empowered by their experience, return to the regions where they have been working and continue along a service path.
Obama Scholarship Benefits 2021/2020
- Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
- A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University, if the program can convene in person.
- All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
- Basic medical, dental, and life insurance for the program’s duration in New York City, if the program can convene in person.
- Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities, if the program can convene in person.
What Is Eligibility For Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2021-2022
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from 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 shape the future of their community positively
Have a demonstrated commitment to humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination, and teamwork
Obama Scholar Cohort Profile
Since 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University has welcomed:
- 34 rising leaders from 29 countries who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries, and regions
- Scholars who were, on average, 35 years of age, with ages ranging from 25 to 45
- Emerging institutional and movement leaders addressing a range of challenges, including strengthening governance, increasing access to high-quality healthcare, environmental sustainability, and promoting women’s rights, and ending gender-based violence.
To learn more about our Scholars, please visit the Meet the Scholars page. For the 2021-2022 academic year, we are also extending the application to U.S. citizens and residents who are making significant contributions to communities, countries, or regions within the United States as part of the cohort of Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University, in addition to seeking leaders from around the world.
Obama Foundation Scholarship 2021-2022 Application Form
A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:
Complete online application form
Complete the online application form for the 2021-2022 Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University by February 5, 2021, at 5:00 PM ET. Any applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
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, 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)
- 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 before July 2019). Suppose applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception. In that case, 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 before 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 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. Family members or friends should not write recommendations.
Please complete the 2021-2022 nomination form here.
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University accepts applications for the 2021-2022 program until February 5, 2021, at 5:00 pm ET.
What is The Closing date for Obama Foundation Scholar 2021?
The deadline for the Obama foundation scholarship 2021/2022 is February 5, 2021, at 5:00 pm ET.
For More Details, Check Obama Foundation Scholars Program Website
