The Obama Foundation Invites Changemakers to Apply for its Widely Acclaimed Obama Leaders Program
As the Foundation’s signature leadership initiative, the Leaders Program expands a global network of more than 1,800 alumni by connecting and empowering emerging leaders across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States
November 9, 2026 at 12 p.m. CST
CHICAGO – Applications are now open for The Obama Foundation’s widely acclaimed values-driven leadership development program that connects emerging leaders aged 24-45 across regions in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States.
Launched in 2017, The Obama Foundation’s leadership programs have engaged over 1,800 changemakers worldwide—inspiring, empowering, and connecting them to make real-world impact. Participants in the Obama Leaders program join this growing network once they graduate. During their program year, they learn practical skills and tools to lead through complex challenges, paving the way for them to make systems-level changes in their communities.
“Each year, we welcome a new class of leaders doing extraordinary things in their communities around the world, and we help them maximize their impact,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “Through the Obama Leaders program, we’re proud to connect these emerging leaders across regions with us and each other, strengthen their ability to lead with purpose, and support them as they work to bring change home.”
In addition to weekly regional learning sessions, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leadership coaches, subject matter experts, and each other to deepen their leadership practice. The core curriculum, adapted for each region, includes sessions covering values-based leadership, relationship cultivation, and systemic engagement.
The application for the 2027–2028 Obama Foundation Leaders program, along with additional information on eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions, can be found here. Applications are open until Friday, Dec. 4, 2026 at 12 p.m. US CT with a priority deadline of November 23 . The Foundation will announce the 2027-28 class of leaders in the summer. For announcements introducing the new cohorts in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States this summer, follow The Obama Foundation on Facebook (Opens in a new tab) , X (Opens in a new tab) , Threads (Opens in a new tab) , and Instagram (Opens in a new tab) .
About The Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Rooted on the South Side of Chicago, the Obama Presidential Center is a global hub for that mission. This approach extends to all our work, whether it’s holding leadership training sessions in communities throughout the U.S., bringing local leaders together in countries around the world, working to support the global education of girls, or ensuring young men of color have pathways to opportunity. 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.
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Contact: Emily Bittner, press@obama.org