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The University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars Program is currently seeking applications for the 2023 - 2024 academic year, with the program scheduled to run from early September 2023 - May 2024.
Note: Applications open on February 6, 2023 and close on March 21, 2023 by 11:59 PM (CST).
The UChicago Obama Scholars Program is designed for emerging leaders who are at breakthrough points in their leadership journeys and who demonstrate clear potential and a commitment to tackle particular problems in their communities. It is well suited for students who are guided by core values, are committed to advancing equity, are eager to learn and to contribute to others’ learning, possess a spirit of generosity, and have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.
The program seeks emerging leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:
A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:
Only applicants selected for the finalist round will be asked to submit these letters. All applicants will be asked to enter their references' names at the time of application.
Interested applicants must complete and submit an application through the online application system. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Finalists will be invited to an interview, currently slated for mid-late May. Decisions will be released in June and the cohort will be announced this fall.
A multi-staged candidate evaluation process, conducted over the summer and including an interview, considers candidates based on their potential as civic leaders to address societal challenges faced by communities around the globe.
February 6 | Application opens
March 21 | Application closes at 11:59 PM (CST)
Early May | Finalists notified
Finalists share link with recommenders to submit letters due May 16
Mid-May through Early June | Finalist interviews
By Early July | Decisions released