Applications for the Obama Foundation Leaders Fellowship are opening soon, offering an exceptional leadership development opportunity for emerging leaders committed to creating positive social change in their communities. The program brings together outstanding changemakers from the public, private, and civil society sectors to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their global networks, and accelerate their impact.
Inspired by President Barack Obama’s approach to values-based leadership, the Obama Foundation Leaders Program equips participants with the knowledge, tools, coaching, and connections needed to address complex challenges and build more inclusive, resilient, and thriving communities.
About the Obama Foundation Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a leadership development initiative designed for emerging leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the common good.
Since its launch, the program has built a global community of changemakers working across diverse sectors and regions to create meaningful and lasting social impact.
The program first launched in Africa in 2018 and later expanded to:
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- United States
Participants become part of the broader Obama Leadership Network, a vibrant global community of more than 1,500 alumni committed to collaborative leadership and social transformation.
Program Benefits
Selected Leaders receive access to a comprehensive leadership development experience that includes:
- World-class leadership training
- Personalized leadership coaching
- Interactive group learning sessions
- Small group discussions
- Global networking opportunities
- Collaboration with emerging leaders from diverse sectors
- Access to the Obama Leadership Network after graduation
- Ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities
What Participants Will Learn
Throughout the program, Leaders will:
- Strengthen values-based leadership skills
- Develop strategies for creating lasting social impact
- Improve systems thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Build collaborative leadership practices
- Expand their global perspectives
- Learn from experienced facilitators and fellow changemakers
- Develop practical approaches to leading positive change
- Strengthen relationships across sectors and regions
Program Focus
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program helps participants:
- Inspire positive change
- Build inclusive communities
- Strengthen civic leadership
- Foster collaboration across sectors
- Address complex social challenges
- Promote equity and opportunity
- Develop sustainable leadership practices
Who Should Apply?
The program is designed for emerging leaders who:
- Are between 24 and 45 years old
- Work in the public sector
- Work in civil society or nonprofit organizations
- Work in the private sector
- Have demonstrated leadership potential
- Are committed to serving their communities
- Seek to create lasting positive social impact
- Value collaboration and inclusive leadership
Applicants should already be actively leading initiatives that benefit their communities or regions.
Leadership Development Experience
Participants engage in a variety of learning activities, including:
- Leadership workshops
- Coaching sessions
- Collaborative learning
- Peer mentoring
- Systems leadership training
- Reflection exercises
- Practical leadership projects
- Regional and global networking
Regional Programs
The Obama Foundation offers Leaders Programs across multiple regions:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- United States
Each regional cohort focuses on local challenges while connecting participants to a broader global network of leaders.
Obama Leadership Network
Upon completing the program, participants join the Obama Leadership Network, gaining access to:
- A global community of changemakers
- Continued networking opportunities
- Alumni events
- Leadership resources
- Collaborative initiatives
- Lifelong professional connections
The alumni network now includes more than 1,500 active leaders working across a wide range of sectors and countries.
Why Apply?
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program provides an opportunity to:
- Enhance leadership capacity
- Expand international networks
- Learn from experienced leadership practitioners
- Gain valuable coaching and mentorship
- Collaborate with inspiring peers
- Strengthen community impact
- Join a globally recognized leadership community
Ideal Candidates
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
- Strong commitment to public service
- Evidence of leadership experience
- Passion for social impact
- Integrity and ethical leadership
- Collaborative mindset
- Ability to influence positive change
- Vision for improving their communities
- Commitment to lifelong learning
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official Obama Foundation Leaders Program website.
- Select the regional program that corresponds to their location.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit all required information before the application deadline.
Individuals interested in future application cycles are encouraged to subscribe to the Obama Foundation’s email updates to receive notifications when applications officially open.
Why Choose the Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is one of the world’s leading leadership development initiatives for emerging changemakers. Through coaching, collaboration, and global networking, participants develop the confidence, skills, and connections needed to tackle society’s most pressing challenges and drive meaningful, long-term impact.
Whether working in government, business, nonprofits, education, or community organizations, Leaders leave the program equipped to create stronger institutions, foster inclusive leadership, and contribute to positive change both locally and globally.
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