Barack Obama Announces Scholars Program

Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced that the Obama Foundation and the University of Chicago are kicking off the Obama Foundation Scholars Program, a new program at the Harris School of Public Policy to support the next generation of leaders making an impact on issues in their communities and around the world. “Our goal is to support everybody who wants to make the world a better place,” Obama said. “This partnership will give young people from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.” Students in the program will receive a full scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree with an emphasis on international development and policy. They will also participate in a range of leadership activities outside of the classroom led by the Obama Foundation. Some of these activities will include experiences throughout the South Side and the rest of Chicago. The program will also build relationships that reach across issues and borders, and build a global network that is committed to working together on solutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The program aims to attract individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, and people in public service. It will begin in the fall of 2018, and applications for the inaugural class of scholars are due on April 10th. More here.