Obama Foundation Fellowship Program

The Obama Foundation Fellowship program seeks to support outstanding civic
innovators from around the world in order to amplify the impact of their work
and to inspire a wave of civic innovation.

The
Obama Foundation Fellows will be a diverse set of community-minded rising stars
– organizers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more – who
are altering the civic engagement landscape. By engaging their fellow citizens
to work together in new and meaningful ways, Obama Foundation Fellows will
model how any individual can become an active citizen in their community.

The
inaugural class of 20 Fellows will be integral to shaping the program and the
community of Fellows for future years. For this first class, we’re seeking
participants who are especially excited about helping us design, test, and
refine the Fellowship.
Our
two-year, non-residential Fellowship will offer hands-on training, resources,
and leadership development. Fellows will also participate in four multi-day
gatherings where they will collaborate with each other, connect with potential
partners, and collectively push their work forward. Throughout the program,
each Fellow will pursue a personalized plan to leverage Fellowship resources to
take their work to the next level.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Civic innovators

We’re
looking for individuals who are working to solve important public problems in
creative and powerful ways. We are inspired by a broad vision of what it means
to be “civic,” one that includes leaders tackling a range of issues, in both
traditional and unconventional ways.

 

Discipline diverse

We
need people working from all angles and with different perspectives to
strengthen our communities and civic life. This fellowship is for organizers,
inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more. It is for those
working within systems like governments or businesses, as well as those working
outside of formal institutions.

At a tipping point in their work

Successful
applicants have already demonstrated meaningful impact in their communities,
gaining recognition among their peers for their contributions. Now, they stand
at a breakthrough moment in their careers. They’re poised to use the Fellowship
to significantly advance their work, perhaps by launching new platforms,
expanding to broader audiences, or taking their work to a national or global
stage. If you’ve already gained global recognition for your work or if your
civic innovation work has just begun, you may not be the ideal candidate for
this program.

 

Talented, but not connected

We
are committed to expanding the circle of opportunity to include new and varied
voices. Thus we have a strong preference for civic innovators who are not
currently connected to the networks and resources they need to advance their
work. If you’re not sure whether you fit this description, feel free to apply —
and make sure to articulate how the resources of the Fellowship would uniquely
impact your work.

 

Good humans

We
are building an authentic community. A strong moral character is essential for
the strength of this community, the integrity of the program, and the longevity
of its value. We’re seeking inspirational individuals who demonstrate humility
and work collaboratively with others towards shared goals.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should visit https://www.obama.org/fellowship/

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