Leaders Europe

Location

The program currently invites individuals residing in any of the 46 Council of Europe member states (Opens in a new tab) and Kosovo to apply.

Citizenship and Residency

You must meet one of the following criteria:

• Citizen of an eligible country or territory OR 

• Permanent resident of an eligible country or territory OR 

• Have lived in an eligible country or territory for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status 

Geographic Focus

Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change for local communities, an eligible nation, and/or the broader Europe region. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in the Europe region.

Program Commitment

You can commit to fully participating for the entire duration of the six-month program. The Leaders Europe program is currently scheduled to begin the week of September 2, 2024 and will conclude no later than May 1, 2025, with planned breaks throughout. Exact dates are subject to change. You must be able to attend between 8 and 12 hours of required virtual programming each month, as well as attend required leadership coaching sessions and engage in community group discussions throughout the program duration. 

Language Proficiency & Age

You are professionally proficient in spoken and written English and you will be between 24 and 45 years of age on August 26, 2024.

Leadership Experience

You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area. 

Political Campaigns

You will refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time you are accepted into the program through May 1, 2025. Selection decisions are currently scheduled to be sent out in July and August 2024.

Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program

The Obama Foundation is based in the United States. To participate in the program, you must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit your participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for in-person programming (if any).