The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is an eight-month, fully funded virtual leadership development journey for changemakers aged 24 to 45. The 2027/2028 application is now open.
The program brings together diverse cohorts from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States, across public, private, and civil society sectors. Participants collaborate, share insights, and strengthen their values-based leadership at no cost.
Obama Foundation Leaders Program Benefits
- Zero Program Costs: The program is completely free to all participants.
- Individualized Coaching: Personalized guidance to build a values-driven foundation for sustained leadership.
- Values-Based Leadership & Skill Development: Training in values-based leadership, navigating moments of productive intellectual tension, and driving lasting systems-level change.
- Virtual Group Sessions & Peer-Led Spaces: Structured collaboration, insight-sharing, and cross-sector networking (public, private, and civil society) for 8–12 hours per month.
- Regional & Global Cohort Connection: Access to a diverse cohort of changemakers aged 24 to 45 across Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States.
- Lifetime Alumni Network: Membership in the Obama Leadership Network upon graduation, connecting alumni to collaborate and develop solutions to global challenges.
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Obama Foundation Leaders Program Eligibility Criteria
- Must be between 24 and 45 years old at the time of application
- Must be a changemaker residing in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe or the United States
- Must be conversant in English to fully take part in virtual group sessions, collaborative spaces and coaching calls
- Designed for changemakers across the public, private and civil society sectors
How to Apply for Obama Foundation Leaders Program
- Review the programme webpage and regional FAQs on the official Obama Foundation portal to confirm eligibility
- Set up a free account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials on the Submittable 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 before the priority deadline on 23 November 2026 or the final deadline on 4 December 2026
- Applications are accepted only through the online application on the official Submittable platform
Important Notes
- 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
- The programme requires approximately 8 to 12 hours per month of commitment through online sessions, peer spaces and coaching
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Friday, 4 December 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to the questions applicants ask most often about the Obama Leaders Program Fellowship.
Is the Obama Leaders Program fully funded?
Yes. The programme is fully funded, and it is completely free to all accepted participants.
How long is the Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
The fellowship is an 8-month virtual leadership development journey for the 2027 to 2028 cohort.
Who can apply?
Changemakers aged between 24 and 45 at the time of application, residing in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe or the United States, and conversant in English, can apply.
What is the deadline?
The final application closing deadline is 4 December 2026 at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (GMT-6) / 7:00 PM WAT. The priority deadline is 23 November 2026.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the official Submittable application platform at https://thebarackobamafoundation.submittable.com/submit.
What documents are required?
You need general information, a Resume or CV, 5 to 6 short-answer essays of 50 to 250 words each, 2 video responses of up to 2 minutes each, and 2 references with names, email addresses and affiliations.
What is the working language?
The working language of the programme is English.
What leadership skills are developed in the Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
Participants in the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027-28 develop values-based leadership, ethical decision-making, systems thinking, and collaboration. The program emphasizes inclusive change, creativity, and long-term strategies for addressing challenges in communities effectively.
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