Fully Funded Leadership & Travel Scholarship

The Voyager Scholarship for Public Service — also known as the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship — is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship and leadership development programme created by the Obama Foundation in partnership with Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb. It is designed to support college students in the United States who are committed to pursuing careers in public service and leadership.

About the Scholarship

The Voyager Scholarship identifies ambitious undergraduate students who have a passion for helping others, strong community service experience, and a broad vision of how public service can shape a better future. The programme aims to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of public service leaders through financial support, immersive travel experiences, and ongoing mentorship.

This is a two-year programme for students beginning their junior and senior years of college. Over the course of the fellowship, participants deepen their leadership development, refine values-based approaches to service, and build bridges across diverse communities.

Key Benefits

Voyager Scholars receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both education and experiential learning:

✨ Financial Aid
Scholars receive up to $50,000 in “last-dollar” financial aid over two years (typically up to $25,000 per year). This aid helps reduce student debt and allows students to focus on pursuing public service careers after graduation.

✨ Summer Voyage Stipend
Between the junior and senior years, each student receives a $10,000 stipend and free housing through Airbnb to pursue a self-designed Summer Voyage — a work-travel experience in which students engage with new communities, internships, volunteer work, or research aligned with their service goals.

✨ Long-Term Travel Support
After graduation, Voyager Scholars receive an annual travel stipend of $2,000 for 10 years, totaling up to $20,000. This unique benefit supports lifelong learning, connection to new communities, and global engagement throughout their public service careers.

✨ Leadership Development & Network
Scholars participate in monthly virtual sessions, including speaker series, mentorship roundtables, and workshops to help design and refine their Summer Voyage and leadership vision. They may also attend an in-person Fall Summit, where they build community with fellow scholars and learn from experienced leaders in public service.

✨ Community & Alumni Support
Through the Obama Foundation’s global alumni network, Voyager Scholars gain access to ongoing support, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities long after graduation.

Who Is Eligible

The Voyager Scholarship is designed for students who:

• Are entering their junior year of college (after completing their sophomore year)
• Are pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university in the United States
• Demonstrate financial need and commitment to public service
• Have experience serving or building community
• Show curiosity, empathy, and a desire to bridge divides through service

While eligibility specifics vary slightly each cycle, applicants are typically U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients and must maintain strong academic and service records.

Why It Matters

The Voyager Scholarship supports more than financial aid — it invests in leadership potential and life-long commitment to civic engagement. By pairing academic funding with travel experiences and mentorship, the programme helps students broaden their perspectives, gain meaningful real-world exposure, and build networks that support careers addressing local and global challenges.

This blend of financial support, experiential learning, and community connection makes the Voyager Scholarship one of the most innovative and impactful leadership programmes available to undergraduate students committed to public service.