Deadline: December 4, 2026
Applications are open for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027-2028. The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is an eight-month, global virtual leadership development journey. Designed for changemakers aged 24 to 45 across various sectors, the program brings together diverse cohorts to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen their values-based leadership. The program is open across four regions and free to all participants.
For an average of 8-12 hours per month, the program will bring together cohorts of leaders from across the regions. Participants (known as “Obama Leaders” or “Leaders”) will take part in weekly sessions that include:
- Practical tools and training for deepening values-based leadership
- Curated spaces for deep personal reflection and interpersonal learning with peers
- Community groups
- Conversations with thought leaders
- Leadership coaching
- Cultural programming that showcases the richness of diversity in the region
Upon completion of the program, Obama Leaders will become part of the Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network—a growing community of civically active Obama Foundation program alumni who are creating tangible solutions to the greatest challenges of our time.
Program Types
- Africa: Leaders Africa is a six-month, virtual leadership development program that seeks to build a growing network of innovative and values-based changemakers who will drive positive change in their communities, the continent, and the world.
- Asia-Pacific: Leaders Asia-Pacific is an eight-month hybrid leadership program that helps leaders develop their values-based leadership to advance inclusive and lasting change in their communities, in the Asia-Pacific region, and across the world.
- Europe: Leaders Europe is an eight-month, virtual leadership development program that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect leaders to advance inclusive and lasting change in their communities, throughout Europe, and across the world.
- United States: The Obama Foundation Leaders USA program is an eight-month, virtual leadership development program that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect leaders across the country.
Eligibility
Changemakers between the ages of 24 and 45 from the Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and United States regions who want to deepen their leadership skills and connect with other emerging leaders are invited to apply.
- The program currently invites individuals residing in an eligible country in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and United States regions.
- 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
- Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change for local communities, an eligible nation or territory, and/or the broader region. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in the region.
- You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.
Application
Applications open November 9, 2026, and close December 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (GMT-6). Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of November 23, 2026. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will continue to be reviewed based on available space.
Application includes:
- General Information: Basic details about who you are, where you are from, your background, your work, and your contact information.
- Resume / CV: A prompt to detail your work experience, leadership history, and key achievements.
- Written Responses: Five or six short questions about your leadership journey. Each question has its own word limit, ranging from 50 to 250 words. Please answer in your own voice as they look to get to know you, understand your leadership journey, and the values that inform your leadership.
- 2 Video Responses: Two short videos of up to 2 minutes each. A simple phone recording is perfect, and no editing is needed. Accepted formats: MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG.
- 2 References: You will submit the names, email addresses, and affiliations of two people who know you well and can speak to your character, leadership qualities, and changemaking work.
For more information, visit Obama Leaders Program.
