The Obama Foundation Opens Applications for the 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
The scholarship provides financial support, travel-based learning opportunities, and access to a global network of leaders, for 100 students pursuing careers in public service.
January 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM CST
CHICAGO – The Obama Foundation today opened applications for the 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million contribution from Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky, the scholarship provides college students with demonstrated financial need a last-dollar scholarship to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences and opportunities to connect with new communities, and access to a network of mentors and leaders to support them throughout their careers. The scholarship helps students refine their values-based leadership approach, build bridges across communities, and nurture their sense of curiosity as they deepen their commitment to pursuing public service careers.
“Ordinary people have the potential to do extraordinary things — and this scholarship is helping hundreds of young people prepare to change the world,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “We are so excited to empower and support another group of students as they pursue their passions and purpose to create positive change through impactful experiences here in the U.S. and around the world.”
As the program prepares to welcome its fifth class of Voyagers, it continues to reflect The Obama Foundation and Chesky's dedication to empowering young leaders to bridge divides and redefine what is possible through public service. Since it first launched in 2022, 400 students have received the scholarship, which includes up to $50,000 in scholarship funding and the opportunity to pursue a summer work-travel experience, or “Summer Voyage,” between their junior and senior years of college. Through a curriculum created by The Obama Foundation, students design their own Summer Voyage to gain exposure to new communities and deepen their experience in their chosen public service field. During their Summer Voyages, students participate in internships, volunteer experiences, and research opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the issues they care about most and the public service path they will pursue after they graduate. Last summer, the 2024-2026 cohort of Voyagers traveled to 61 countries and 24 U.S. states and territories.
The application deadline for the 2026-2028 Voyager Scholarship is March 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM United States Central Time (UTC-6). The Obama Foundation will award the scholarship to 100 students from colleges and universities across the United States and its territories. Voyager Scholarship for Public Service recipients receive:
Up to $50,000 in financial aid: Students will receive up to $25,000 per year in “last dollar” financial aid for their junior and senior years of college. This financial aid helps alleviate the burden of college debt so that students can afford to pursue a career in public service after graduation.
Summer Voyage: Students will receive a $10,000 stipend and free housing in Airbnb listings (up to $4,200) to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior year of college.
10-year Travel Stipend: After graduation, Airbnb will provide the students with $2,000 in Airbnb credit every year for 10 years, a total of $20,000. This allows students to continue to travel and grow their expertise and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.
Monthly Virtual Sessions: Students must participate in monthly virtual programming sessions, including speaker series and mentorship roundtables, Summer Voyage design workshops, and Summer Voyage coaching sessions, to continue to sharpen and build their own leadership approach for their own public service path.
Fall Summit: During their junior year, Voyagers have the option to attend an in-person convening where they engage in community-building activities with fellow Voyagers, build their leadership skills, and learn from leaders in public service.
Network of Leaders: Throughout the program, students have access to a network of leaders and mentors from The Obama Foundation network. This network provides students with a helpful support system as they navigate their future public service careers. After graduation, students join The Obama Foundation’s global community of alumni, and can access ongoing resources and programming to enhance their changemaking work.
For more information about the Voyager Scholarship, including the application process and answers to frequently asked questions, visit voyager-scholarship.obama.org (Opens in a new tab).
Interested applicants can also learn more by attending an upcoming virtual information session hosted by The Obama Foundation in February and March. These sessions will provide an overview of the Voyager Scholarship and walk attendees through eligibility requirements and the application process. Register to attend any of the below virtual information sessions here (Opens in a new tab):
Tuesday, February 10, 5–6 p.m. ET
Thursday, February 19, 3–4 p.m. ET
Wednesday, February 25, 12–1 p.m. ET
Friday, March 6, 12–1 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 10, 6–7 p.m. ET
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Contact: Emily Bittner, press@obama.org