Obama Scholars Programs seeks to support dynamic, collaborative, rising leaders from all around the world and they grant two years of academic experience.
The Obama Scholars Program helps to develop young rising leader around the world and bring them together to find the solution who are already making a difference in their country, communities, and region. This program empowers the individual to deepen their knowledge, skills and build new capabilities with their network and open up their impact in their own country.
According to the Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger, “We are proud to be a partner with the Obama Foundation in launching the Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia to advance our shared mission of developing leaders who are not only dedicated to making a difference but also have the intellectual and practical skills to turn their ideas into action.”
Scholars have an opportunity to get selected and enrol in the course offered by Columbia University that is relevant to their specific field and they also have the offer to participate in the workshop and develop their practical skills. This program helps to build lasting relationships among the emerging leaders who are committed to working together to solve the challenges and make a global network across the borders.
The Scholars of Obama Foundation resides at Columbia University. The motive of this new initiative is to bring out university research into the world that has a lasting positive impact on people’s lives. And by the completion of the program, the Scholars get experienced and return to the region where they’re working and continue with their path of service.
Eligibility Requirements
The Obama Scholars Program at Columbia University gives the opportunity who go through certain criteria:
- Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region or country outside the United States, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities
- Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “tipping point” in their careers
- Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
- Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community
- Have a demonstrated commitment to humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination and teamwork
Benefits for the Scholars covered by the program
- Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
- Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities
- All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
- Basic medical, dental and life insurance for the duration of the program
- A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University
- Leadership development programming led by the Obama Foundation that will help Scholars gain the real-world skills, tools, and experiences to expand the impact of their work when they return home
How Can You Apply?
There is one way to apply, you have to Apply Online. With all the complete documents along with the application form and you must have to submit it online.
Process of the application:
- You can go to the official website and from there you can apply for the form.
- Complete application online, submit it online including the following materials:
Resume/curriculum vitae:
The resume/curriculum vitae should be a chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements․
Personal video Statement:
The personal video statement should be a short video (no longer than five minutes in length) introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee of Obama scholars program. Applicants will upload their video statements to a video hosting service, like YouTube or Vimeo, and will include a link to their video in the online application. Additional information on the requirements for the personal video statement can be found in the online application.
Responses to short questions:
The short essay questions help the selection committee understand the applicant’s work, their motivation, and how the Obama scholars program fits into their career trajectory. Applicants will submit their essay questions in the online application.
Proof of English Proficiency:
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of three exams: The internet-based or paper-based exams of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). No other exams will be accepted for Obama scholars program.
This requirement is waived for applicants who:
have completed an undergraduate degree – not a master’s or graduate degree – in a country where English is an official language;
OR
have previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exams in the last five years and scored at or above the minimum requirement of 100 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), or 68 (PTE Academic). If applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception, they must upload a scanned copy of their score report to the online application to ensure their application is eligible for review. If they did not score at or above the required minimum or no longer have a copy of their old results, they must retake an English proficiency exam.
Minimum Scores required:
TOFEL – Internet-Based Exam: 100
TOFEL – Paper Based Exam: 600
International English Language Testing System: 7
Pearson Test of English Academic: 68
Please note that while applicants who received scores below the posted minimums may still apply, applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
Three Letters of Recommendation:
Three letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant and the applicant’s work in an academic, professional, or community service setting. Recommendations should directly address the applicant’s suitability for admission to the Obama Scholars Program. Recommendations should not be written by family members or friends.
Obama Scholars program 2020 it’s Fully Funded and it’s now open for everyone! You can apply for the Columbia University Scholars Program to get admission at Columbia University, New York, USA. To apply for Scholarship you can directly go to the Official Website page and proceed for the further step. (link)
