Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Obama Leaders program for emerging leaders from around the world
Closing Date: 12 December 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Obama Leaders program for emerging leaders from around the world
Join a Global Network of Changemakers with the 2026-2027 Obama Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 cohort, offering a powerful opportunity for changemakers around the world to deepen their impact, build their leadership capacity, and join a global network committed to positive change. Designed for changemakers aged 24-45, this fully supported program empowers participants to lead with values, purpose, and systems-level thinking.
Overview
The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program aims to inspire, empower, and connect regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and throughout their region and across our world.
These 24-45-year-old emerging leaders from around the world forge societies and communities rooted in shared values, where all people belong, participate, and thrive.
The Leaders program launched in Africa in 2018 and expanded to Asia Pacific in 2019, Europe in 2020, and the United States in 2023. The program recognize the power that lies in bringing together diverse cohorts of Leaders from many regions of the world, each with their own approach and focus and a commitment to joining a global network of changemakers.
Inspired by President Obama’s leadership approach, the Leaders program engages participants in the challenges, opportunities, and skills of making positive change. Supported by full group sessions, small group discussions, and individualized leadership coaching, participants define a values-based foundation for sustained leadership, cultivate relationships with others to catalyze more inclusive, lasting change, and prepare to engage with issues at the systems level.
Upon completion of the Obama Foundation Leaders program, Leaders will have gained a deeper understanding of how values-based leadership advances their work. They will be inspired to take further action, propelled by new ideas and skills. Most importantly, Leaders will continue to gain a broader global perspective by joining the Obama Leadership Network, a growing global alumni community of over 1,500 active changemakers
Why You Should Apply
The Obama Leaders Program is more than a leadership course. It reflects President Obama’s vision of values-based leadership — emphasizing empathy, connection, and inclusivity. As a Leader, you’ll be supported to grow, reflect, and act with greater impact in your community and beyond.
Over the course of the program, you’ll be able to:
- Strengthen your leadership foundation through coached peer learning and workshops
- Define and align your personal values with your mission for change
- Engage with other regional leaders, building relationships that span sectors and geographies
- Access the Obama Leadership Network, a global alumni community of changemakers
This program is ideal for you if you’re ready to step up your leadership game, collaborate with a diverse cohort, and build long-lasting relationships rooted in purpose.
Program Overview & Structure
- Who It’s For: Emerging leaders in public service, civil society, and the private sector, aged 24–45, from around the world.
- Regional Cohorts: The program runs in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States.
- Learning Journey:
- Regular virtual sessions — including leadership masterclasses, peer learning, and expert conversations
- Small “community groups” for reflection, feedback, and deep connection
- One-on-one leadership coaching to help you define actionable goals and build on your strengths
- Possible hybrid events: the program may include a regional in-person convening, depending on safety and feasibility.
- Duration: The Leaders programs typically run for several months, depending on the region.
- Alumni Network: After completing the program, participants join a global network of over 1,100 alumni, continuing to connect, collaborate, and catalyze change.
Eligibility & Application Details
To apply, you need to:
- Be between 24 and 45 years old.
- Have 3+ years of demonstrated leadership or social impact work.
- Reside in or work in eligible regions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, or the U.S.).
- Be motivated to contribute meaningfully in your community and ready to commit time to the program.
Why This Program Stands Out
- Values-Driven Leadership: The curriculum emphasizes integrity, empathy, and systems thinking — preparing leaders to act from a foundation of purpose.
- Global Perspective, Local Impact: By bringing together leaders from across regions, the program cultivates ideas that are locally grounded and globally informed.
- Sustainable Support: The leadership journey includes long-term coaching, network opportunities, and access to peers and mentors for continued growth.
- Inclusive & Empowering: Designed for diverse changemakers in government, civil society, and private sectors, the program encourages collaboration across divides.
- Real-World Tools: Participants gain practical frameworks, strategies, and leadership practices that they can apply directly to their work.
If you’re a changemaker with a passion for leading positive, systemic change — whether in your city, your country, or across borders — the 2026-2027 Obama Foundation Leaders Program offers an unparalleled platform. This fellowship isn’t just about building skillsets — it’s about building community, purpose, and a network of fellow leaders ready to make a real difference.
Click Here To Apply
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