The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is one of the world’s premier leadership development initiatives for emerging changemakers working across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Designed for leaders committed to advancing the common good, the program equips participants with the skills, networks, and leadership tools needed to create lasting impact within their communities and across their regions.
The program brings together exceptional leaders between the ages of 24 and 45 from around the world, fostering a diverse community dedicated to building more inclusive, equitable, and resilient societies.
About the Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation is a global nonprofit organization founded to inspire, empower, and connect people to create positive change in their communities. Through leadership development, civic engagement, education, and community-building initiatives, the Foundation supports emerging leaders who are working to solve some of today’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Its programs emphasize values-based leadership, collaboration, and service while building a global network of changemakers committed to improving lives around the world.
About the Obama Foundation Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program provides intensive leadership development for individuals who have already demonstrated a commitment to creating meaningful change.
Inspired by President Barack Obama’s leadership philosophy, the program helps participants strengthen their leadership capacity through collaborative learning, coaching, networking, and practical skill development.
Since its launch in Africa in 2018, the program has expanded to:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- United States
Each regional cohort reflects the unique challenges and opportunities within its region while connecting participants to a broader international community of leaders.
Program Benefits
Participants receive access to a comprehensive leadership experience that includes:
- Leadership development curriculum.
- Values-based leadership training.
- Individual leadership coaching.
- Small group learning sessions.
- Interactive workshops.
- Peer-to-peer collaboration.
- Regional and global networking opportunities.
- Systems leadership training.
- Access to experienced facilitators and mentors.
- Membership in the Obama Leadership Network after graduation.
The program is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to lead transformational change within their organizations, communities, and countries.
Leadership Development Experience
Throughout the programme, participants engage in:
Leadership Workshops
Interactive learning sessions focused on:
- Values-based leadership.
- Strategic thinking.
- Inclusive leadership.
- Systems change.
- Collaboration.
- Community engagement.
- Ethical decision-making.
Individual Coaching
Participants receive personalized coaching that helps them:
- Clarify leadership goals.
- Strengthen leadership effectiveness.
- Develop practical strategies.
- Build resilience.
- Navigate complex leadership challenges.
Collaborative Learning
Leaders participate in:
- Small group discussions.
- Peer learning sessions.
- Cross-sector collaboration.
- Regional dialogue.
- Knowledge sharing.
These experiences encourage participants to learn from one another while developing innovative solutions to shared challenges.
Obama Leadership Network
After completing the programme, participants become members of the Obama Leadership Network, an international alumni community of more than 1,500 changemakers.
The network provides:
- Lifelong professional connections.
- Continued collaboration opportunities.
- Leadership resources.
- Peer support.
- Regional partnerships.
- Global learning opportunities.
- Access to future Foundation initiatives.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for emerging leaders who:
- Are between 24 and 45 years old.
- Work in the public sector.
- Work in civil society organizations.
- Work in the private sector.
- Have demonstrated commitment to serving the public good.
- Are actively leading positive change within their communities.
- Want to strengthen their leadership skills.
- Are committed to collaboration and inclusive leadership.
Applicants should have a clear track record of impact and a strong commitment to creating meaningful social change.
Regional Programmes
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program currently operates across four regions:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- United States
Each regional programme is tailored to address local priorities while connecting participants to the Foundation’s broader global leadership community.
Why Apply?
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program provides a unique opportunity to develop the leadership skills, relationships, and strategic perspective needed to tackle complex challenges. Through coaching, collaborative learning, and global networking, participants strengthen their ability to lead organizations, influence systems, and create sustainable impact.
Graduates also benefit from joining one of the world’s most respected international leadership networks, opening doors to continued collaboration long after the programme ends.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the Obama Foundation Leaders Program webpage.
- Select the regional programme that matches your location.
- Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Prepare all required application materials.
- Complete and submit the online application once applications open for your region.
- Sign up for Obama Foundation updates to receive notifications about future application cycles.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor upcoming announcements for the next application round.
Conclusion
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is an outstanding opportunity for emerging leaders committed to creating lasting social impact. By combining world-class leadership development, personalized coaching, regional collaboration, and access to a global network of changemakers, the programme empowers participants to strengthen their leadership journey and accelerate positive change in their communities.
If you are passionate about public service, innovation, and inclusive leadership, the Obama Foundation Leaders Program offers an exceptional platform to expand your influence and become part of a global movement for change.
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