Application for the 2026-2027 Obama Leaders program is now open

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Obama Leaders Program, a flagship initiative of the Obama Foundation designed to inspire, empower, and connect emerging changemakers across the globe. The application deadline is Friday, December 12, 2025, at 12 p.m. U.S. Central Time (UTC-6). The program aims to nurture a new generation of ethical, innovative, and community-driven leaders who are shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable future.

The Obama Leaders Program brings together exceptional individuals between the ages of 24 and 45 from diverse backgrounds who are driving meaningful change in their communities. These participants—known as Obama Leaders—share a vision for societies where everyone belongs, participates, and thrives.

Launched in Africa in 2018, the program has since expanded to Asia-Pacific (2019), Europe (2020), and the United States (2023), reflecting its growing global reach and impact. This expansion underscores the Foundation’s belief that true progress arises when changemakers from different regions exchange ideas, learn from one another, and collaborate to solve shared challenges. The initiative is grounded in President Barack Obama’s values-based leadership philosophy, emphasizing integrity, empathy, and collective action as the cornerstones of effective leadership.

Throughout the program, participants engage deeply with the principles of leadership and community transformation through a combination of virtual sessions, peer learning, and personalized coaching. The curriculum equips them with tools to lead inclusively, make strategic decisions, and drive systemic change. By the end of the program, each participant will have a clearer understanding of how to apply values-based leadership to their work and will become part of a growing community of over 1,500 Obama Leaders worldwide.

The program includes several key components designed to foster both personal and professional growth:

1. Weekly Virtual Video Calls: These are the main platform for group interaction, held about four times each month. Sessions include expert-led discussions, introductions to leadership frameworks, skill-building activities, and breakout sessions for small-group collaboration.
2. Monthly Community Groups: Leaders participate in peer learning circles that encourage meaningful dialogue, reflection, and mutual support. These groups discuss leadership challenges, analyze case studies, and share insights drawn from their work in African communities.
3. Individualized Leadership Coaching: Each participant is paired with a professional coach who helps them clarify goals, strengthen leadership capacity, and unlock their full potential. The one-on-one mentorship component ensures that each Leader’s personal growth aligns with their broader mission for social impact.
4. The 2026–2027 Leaders Africa Program is scheduled to begin in the week of September 1, 2026, and will conclude by May 1, 2027, with scheduled breaks throughout the duration of the program.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Location: The current cohort is open to individuals residing in any country or territory within the African continent.
• Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must be either citizens, permanent residents, or individuals who have lived in an African country or territory for at least the past five years, regardless of citizenship status.
• Geographic Focus: Applicants must demonstrate that their work is focused on creating positive change in Africa, whether through local community engagement, national impact, or regional initiatives.
• Leadership Experience: Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant leadership experience in their chosen field or area of impact.
• Language Proficiency and Age: Applicants must be professionally proficient in English and between 24 and 45 years old as of September 1, 2026.
• Program Commitment: Participants are expected to be fully engaged throughout the program period and must not run for political office or participate in any electoral campaign during the program (from the date of acceptance through May 1, 2027).
• Jurisdiction and Participation: As the Obama Foundation is headquartered in the United States, applicants must not face any legal or regulatory barriers that would prevent them from taking part in virtual sessions or U.S.-based programming, should travel opportunities arise.
• The Obama Leaders Program continues to be a transformative platform for emerging leaders across the world, helping them connect across borders, share experiences, and strengthen their capacity to lead change in their communities

APPLICATION

• . Apply Now.
• The application closes Friday, Dec. 12, at 12 p.m. United States Central Time (UTC-6).
• for more details and to apply, visit the Obama Foundation’s official website.