Our Leadership Programming
In 2022, we made significant strides toward expanding our global network of leaders.
In spite of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in 2022 and recent years, young leaders are still on the frontlines creating positive change. The promise of this generation is fundamental to strengthening democracy and safeguarding the values that help us all live up to our ideals, which is why our global programming continues to focus on providing emerging changemakers with the tools, values-based training, and connections they need to accelerate progress.
From every corner of the globe, our program participants are working together to address some of the biggest challenges of our time—from renewing our democratic institutions, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, fighting climate change, and so much more.
“Before receiving the 2022 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, I’d never been on a plane or left Michigan. I’m currently doing my Summer Voyage in Copenhagen, Denmark—interning at BLOXHUB, the Nordic hub for sustainable urbanization, studying how built and natural environments impact people and vice versa.
“I hope to redesign American cities in ways that are equitable, financially, environmentally, and socially sustainable. I’m studying Environmental Studies and Sustainability with a minor in Economics at Northern Michigan University.
The Voyager Scholarship gave me and 99 of my peers financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand our horizons, a network of mentors and leaders to support us, a $10,000 stipend, and free Airbnb housing to pursue a six-week summer work-travel experience.”
President Obama and Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky teamed up to welcome the first class of Voyagers who received the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. The scholarship provides 100 college students with financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them.