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Community Leadership Corps

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We believe everyone has a role to play in the future of their communities. So we want to empower young people with the tools they need to create change together.

The Community Leadership Corps program is an opportunity for people between the ages of 18 and 25, to address opportunities and challenges and in their community. Over the course of six months, members form teams, hold meetings with members of their community, and launch a neighborhood-based project alongside their community. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we will not proceed with accepting a 2020 Community Leadership Corps cohort. While we are saddened to pause the program, we are reminded of the importance of community and supporting young leaders. We are actively exploring avenues to virtually engage our many Community Leadership program alumni in the coming months. All qualified candidates who applied before March 29 will be contacted about other potential opportunities to engage with the Obama Foundation over the next few months, and will receive priority consideration for future programs.

About the Community Leadership Corps

Young people sit and converse in a crowded training room.

HARTFORD, CT - 06/08/2019: Members of the 2019 Hartford CLC group meet for their first day of the 6 month program in Hartford, CT, June 9, 2019. Credit: The Obama Foundation

Please credit the Obama Foundation when posting. The photographs may not be manipulated in any way, and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by the Foundation, President Obama, or Mrs. Obama without the Foundation's prior written consent.

Community Leadership Corps members will gain fundamental skills in community organizing, equity-centered design thinking, and project management. Members will:

  • Launch a neighborhood-based team project alongside community members

  • Get connected with local organizations and leaders

  • Receive project funding for necessary project supplies; meals, and transportation for the five required in-person training events will be provided

  • Receive coaching and support from local success coaches and Obama Foundation staff

  • Join the Obama Foundation network of program alumni from around the globe

During the program, you will learn and practice the skills to listen to the residents, leaders, and organizations in your community, and determine how you can work together to create the change your community wants to see.

Community Leadership from Every Angle

Hover and click on the photos below to read stories from 2019 Community Leadership Corps members, Success Coaches and facilitators.

Watch Community Leadership in Action

Get to know some of our previous Community Leadership Corps members and the projects they created.

Community Leadership Corps: Meet Dejah Powell and Black & Well

Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps participant Dejah Powell started Black & Well with her two best friends to integrate wellness into the black community in Chicago and create a space to talk about health issues together as a community.

2019 MEMORIES

Swipe through to see a few of our favorite moments from the 2019 Community Leadership Corps program!

A group of people are sitting in a circle wearing their CLC shirts.
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