The Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2026/2027
Call for Applications for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2026/2027.
The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program aims to inspire, empower, and connect regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and throughout their region and across our world.
These 24-45-year-old emerging leaders from around the world forge societies and communities rooted in shared values, where all people belong, participate, and thrive.
The Leaders program launched in Africa in 2018 and expanded to Asia Pacific in 2019, Europe in 2020, and the United States in 2023. We recognize the power that lies in bringing together diverse cohorts of Leaders from many regions of the world, each with their own approach and focus and a commitment to joining a global network of changemakers.
Inspired by President Obama’s leadership approach, the Leaders program engages participants in the challenges, opportunities, and skills of making positive change. Supported by full group sessions, small group discussions, and individualized leadership coaching, participants define a values-based foundation for sustained leadership, cultivate relationships with others to catalyze more inclusive, lasting change, and prepare to engage with issues at the systems level.
Upon completion of the program, Leaders will have gained a deeper understanding of how values-based leadership advances their work. They will be inspired to take further action, propelled by new ideas and skills. Most importantly, Leaders will continue to gain a broader global perspective by joining the Obama Leadership Network, a growing global alumni community of over 1,500 active changemakers.
Eligibility
Please review the eligibility criteria carefully and ensure that you meet all requirements before proceeding with the application.
Location
The program currently invites individuals residing in all nations and territories on/in the continent to apply.
Citizenship and Residency
You must be living in the region for the duration of the program and meet one of the following criteria:
- Citizen of an eligible nation or territory OR
- Permanent resident of an eligible nation or territory OR
- A refugee or asylum seeker in an eligible nation or territory OR
- Have lived in an eligible country for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status
Geographic Focus
Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change for local communities, an eligible African nation or territory, and/or the broader Africa. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in Africa.
Leadership Experience
You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.
Age
You will be between 24 and 45 years of age on September 1, 2026.
Language Proficiency
You are professionally proficient in English.
Political Campaigns
You will refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time you are accepted into the program through May 1, 2027. Selection decisions are currently scheduled to be sent in June or July 2026.
Program Commitment
You can commit to fully participating in the entire duration of the six-month program. Official program dates are yet to be determined but will fall somewhere between September 1, 2026, and May 1, 2027. You must be able to attend between 8 and 12 hours of required virtual programming each month, as well as attend required leadership coaching sessions and engage in community group discussions throughout the program duration.
Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program
The Foundation is based in the United States. To participate in the Program, you must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit your participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for in-person programming (if any).
Benefits
Leaders are required to participate in online programming activities throughout the program term. This will include:
- Practical tools and training for deepening values-based leadership
- Community groups
- Conversations with thought leaders
- Cultural programming that showcases the richness of the region
- Curated spaces for deep personal reflection and interpersonal learning with peers
- Individualized coaching
Eligible Regions: All Regions
Application Process
- Create an account on the Application website
- Fill in the Application form, once done submit the form
For Further Queries: If you have a question you would like to ask, including admission queries, please use their official QA section on their website.
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