For Sophomores: Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service (Voyager Scholarship)

Description

The Voyager Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in public service. It was founded with the belief that exposure to new places and experiences generates understanding, empathy, and cooperation and equips the next generation to create meaningful change. The scholarship gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of college costs, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them. Please note that "public service" is broadly defined and includes careers in government, nonprofits, or the private sector and a range of occupations—from community organizing to social work and from entrepreneurship to the arts.

Scholarships provide financial aid up to $25,000 per year, for two years, to cover tuition and/or living costs; $10,000 to design a summer voyage between junior and senior year; and after graduation, a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years from Airbnb, totaling $20,000, so that scholars can continue to broaden their horizons and forge new connections throughout their public service careers. Scholars also gain access to a network of leaders who will expose them to new areas of service and innovations happening in their fields. After graduation, scholars join the Obama Foundation's global community, with access to foundation resources and programming.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or holders of DACA status, expect to be enrolled full time for their junior year of study in Fall 2025, have a GPA of at least 3.0 and demonstrated financial need, and evidence a commitment to public service and plan to pursue a career in public service.

The Johns Hopkins National Fellowships Program is hosting a virtual info session about the Voyager Scholarship, featuring 2023 Voyager Scholar Nasharie Stewart '25.