The Obama Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027–28 Obama Leaders Program, offering emerging community leaders an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks and develop strategies for creating lasting change.
The program is open to qualified applicants ages 24 to 45 in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States. For Kansas residents working in education, nonprofit organizations, civic engagement, community development and other areas of public service, the initiative offers an opportunity to connect local leadership efforts with a broader network of changemakers.
Applications are due Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at noon Central Time, although applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by the Nov. 23 priority deadline.
A Program Designed to Develop Community Leaders
Established in 2017, the Obama Foundation’s leadership initiatives have engaged more than 1,800 emerging leaders worldwide. The Obama Leaders Program is a signature part of that work, designed to help individuals already making a difference in their communities become more effective in addressing complex social challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional leadership instruction, the program emphasizes values-driven leadership, collaboration and the ability to influence systems that affect communities.
Participants take part in weekly regional learning sessions, work with leadership coaches, interact with subject matter experts and collaborate with other emerging leaders.
The curriculum is tailored to each participating region and focuses on three principal areas:
- Values-based leadership: Identifying personal values and using them to guide decisions, build trust and lead with integrity.
- Relationship cultivation: Developing meaningful relationships, strengthening partnerships and building networks that support community progress.
- Systemic engagement: Understanding complex challenges and developing approaches that address underlying causes rather than temporary solutions.
The program also provides opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, examine different approaches to leadership and learn from individuals addressing similar challenges in other communities.
Upon completing the program, participants join the Foundation’s international alumni network, creating opportunities for continued collaboration and professional relationships.
“Each year, we welcome a new class of leaders doing extraordinary things in their communities around the world, and we help them maximize their impact,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation.
Jarrett said the initiative is intended to help emerging leaders strengthen their ability to lead with purpose and bring meaningful change to their communities.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The program is designed for individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to improving their communities.
Potential applicants may include nonprofit founders, educators, community organizers, social entrepreneurs, advocates, public-service professionals and individuals leading initiatives addressing social or economic challenges.
For Wichita and other Kansas communities, that could include individuals working to improve educational opportunities, expand economic mobility, encourage civic participation, support young people or address neighborhood needs.
Applicants must be between 24 and 45 years old and meet the eligibility requirements established for their respective regions. Candidates should review the Foundation’s official requirements before beginning an application.
How to Apply for the 2027–28 Program
Interested individuals must complete the Foundation’s official application process. The Foundation provides program information, eligibility guidelines, frequently asked questions and application instructions online.
Prospective applicants should take the following steps:
- Visit the Obama Foundation website. Go to the official Obama Leaders Program application page.
- Review eligibility requirements. Confirm that you meet the age, regional and other participation criteria for the United States or your applicable region.
- Read the application instructions. Review the questions and any required supporting materials before beginning.
- Prepare information about your leadership experience. Be ready to describe your community involvement, the challenges you are addressing and the impact of your work, as requested in the application.
- Complete and submit the online application. Follow the Foundation’s instructions and submit all required information before the deadline.
- Watch for program announcements. The Foundation expects to announce the selected 2027–28 leaders during summer 2027.
The priority application deadline is Monday, Nov. 23, and the final deadline is Friday, Dec. 4, at noon Central Time.
The Foundation has not specified in the supplied announcement whether participants receive a stipend or whether any travel expenses are covered. Applicants should consult the official program information for those details.
Building a Global Network of Changemakers
The Obama Foundation, headquartered in Chicago, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering and connecting individuals who are working to improve their communities.
Its initiatives support leadership development, educational opportunities, civic engagement and efforts to address social challenges.
Through the Obama Leaders Program, the Foundation seeks to connect individuals whose work may begin at the neighborhood level but has the potential to influence broader change.
For emerging leaders in Wichita and throughout Kansas, the program represents an opportunity to gain new skills, exchange ideas with international peers and bring additional resources and perspectives to the communities they serve.
Additional Application Details
According to the Foundation’s official U.S. program guidelines, the 2027–28 program is free to participants and will be conducted virtually over eight months, from approximately September 2027 through May 2028.
U.S. applicants must have at least three years of relevant experience, be professionally proficient in English and be able to participate in approximately eight to 12 hours of programming each month. They must also meet the Foundation’s residency requirements.
Two references are required. Applicants must provide each reference’s name and email address. The Foundation will contact the references directly; separate recommendation letters are not accepted.
Applicants who miss the Nov. 23 priority deadline may still apply until Dec. 4, but their applications will be reviewed only as space allows. Selection decisions are expected in July 2027.
