Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028: Free Leadership Development Across Four Regions
About this opportunity
Applications are open for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028, an eight-month leadership development programme for people creating positive change across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States.
The programme brings together leaders from government, business and civil society to strengthen their leadership practice, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships. Participants explore how their values can guide their decisions and community work.
Application deadlines
- Priority deadline: 23 November 2026.
- Final deadline: 4 December 2026 at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (GMT-6).
Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be considered only as space allows. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Official deadline guidance.
Programme dates and format
The current schedule anticipates a start during the week of 1 September 2027, with completion no later than 1 May 2028. Exact dates remain subject to change.
The 2027–2028 programme will be delivered virtually. An in-person graduation is being explored but has not been confirmed. Participants should plan to contribute an average of 8–12 hours per month. Current programme arrangements.
What participants receive
The programme offers:
- Group learning sessions on leadership approaches and practical skills.
- Opportunities to learn from peers working on different issues.
- Small community groups for reflection and relationship building.
- Individual leadership coaching.
- Membership of the Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network after completion.
These activities help participants examine their values, work through leadership challenges and strengthen their ability to collaborate. Programme benefits.
Costs and financial support
Selected participants pay no programme fees. However, the Foundation does not provide a stipend, project grants or financial support for participants’ work. Official funding information.
Who can apply?
You must:
- Be 24–45 years old on 1 September 2027.
- Demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in your issue area.
- Have professional proficiency in English.
- Show a clear focus for your community work and explain its impact.
- Commit to the full programme.
- Meet the applicable regional residence and citizenship requirements.
- Refrain from campaigning as a candidate for political office from acceptance into the programme through 1 May 2028.
- Have no legal or regulatory restrictions preventing participation in the Foundation’s virtual activities or any applicable U.S. travel.
There is no formal education requirement. Your community work can be voluntary and does not have to be your main occupation. See the published eligibility requirements.
Which regional programme should you choose?
| Programme | Geographic coverage and official eligibility guidance |
|---|---|
| Leaders Africa | All nations and territories on or within the African continent. See the Africa FAQs. |
| Leaders Asia-Pacific | The specific countries and territories listed in the Asia-Pacific FAQs. Do not assume every Asian country is included. |
| Leaders Europe | The 46 Council of Europe member states and Kosovo, as specified in the Europe FAQs. |
| Leaders USA | All 50 states, the District of Columbia, tribal lands and the eligible U.S. territories listed in the USA FAQs. |
You must currently reside in an eligible location and remain in the relevant region throughout the programme. Your work should benefit that region.
The regional rules provide eligibility routes through citizenship, permanent residence, refugee or asylum-seeker status, or residence for at least the last five years. Check the precise requirements for your circumstances. For example, African citizenship alone does not qualify you for Leaders Africa if you currently live outside Africa. Africa citizenship and residence requirements.
You may apply to only one regional programme. Previous participants in any Obama Foundation Leaders programme are ineligible; alumni of other Foundation programmes may apply. Previous participation and application rules.
Application materials
Prepare the following:
- General information about your background, work and contact details.
- Resume/CV information covering your experience, leadership and achievements.
- Five or six written responses, with individual limits ranging from 50 to 250 words.
- Two video responses, each lasting no more than two minutes. Simple phone recordings are acceptable; editing is unnecessary.
- Two references, including their names, email addresses and affiliations.
Accepted video formats are MKV, MOV, MP4 and MPEG. Follow each prompt and answer in your own voice. Official application instructions.
The Foundation contacts references directly and asks them to complete a brief form. Separate recommendation letters are neither required nor accepted outside that process. Reference requirements.
How to apply
- Read the FAQ for your intended region and confirm that you meet every requirement.
- Open the official Submittable application portal.
- Create a free account or sign in.
- Complete the application, including written and video responses.
- Review and submit. You can save a draft and return before the final deadline.
Monitor the email associated with your account for application correspondence. Submission guidance.
Participation and selection
You will need a computer with a camera and reliable internet. Participants should make every effort to attend core sessions; missing more than four sessions can affect their status as an Obama Leader. Accessibility enquiries can be directed to globalleaders@obama.org. Participation guidance.
Application decisions are currently scheduled for July 2027, with applicants notified by email. Decision timetable.
Official information and application
- Programme overview: Obama Foundation Leaders
- Apply online: Official application portal
- Programme enquiries: globalleaders@obama.org
Source note: Some overview sections retain six-month or hybrid descriptions. This article follows the regional FAQs specifically addressing the 2027–2028 virtual, eight-month programme.
