The Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from emerging leaders across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States. This eight-month global leadership development journey is designed for changemakers aged 24–45 who want to deepen their values-based leadership and create lasting impact. The programme is free for all selected participants.
Complete guide to the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028, covering programme highlights, regional formats, what the fellowship offers, eligibility, application components, submission steps, deadlines and important links.
Quick Highlights of the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028
Parameter
Details
Organization
Obama Foundation
Programme
Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028
Opportunity Type
Leadership development fellowship
Location
Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States
Eligible Applicants
Emerging leaders and changemakers aged 24–45
Experience Required
Not specified
Sector
Public, private and civil society
Preferred Applicants
Leaders from diverse sectors, backgrounds and viewpoints
Working Language
Not specified
Application Method
Online application via Submittable
Application Email
Not specified
Email Subject
Not specified
Application Deadline
Priority: November 23, 2026; Final: December 4, 2026
The Obama Foundation brings together cohorts of global leaders with diverse viewpoints and experiences to explore the challenges, opportunities and skills needed to create positive change. Upon completion, participants join the Obama Foundation's Leadership Network, a growing community of civically active alumni developing tangible solutions to today's greatest challenges.
Area
Details
Mission
Equip leaders with tools, knowledge and community to turn shared commitment into a lifetime of impactful service
Programme Model
Eight-month leadership development journey with regional cohorts
Sectors Served
Public, private and civil society
Alumni Network
Obama Foundation Leadership Network of civically active alumni
Regional Programmes
Leaders Africa, Leaders Asia-Pacific, Leaders Europe, Leaders United States
Commitment
Approximately 8–12 hours per month
Diversity Commitment
Welcomes leaders across race, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation and ability
Accessibility
Committed to accessibility for leaders with disabilities throughout the application and programme
What the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028 Offers
Component
Details
Virtual Group Sessions
Connect leaders across regions
Peer-Led Learning
Collaborative learning spaces led by participants
Leadership Coaching
Individualised coaching for each participant
Experience Exchange
Opportunities to share experiences and insights with fellow changemakers
Values-Based Development
Leadership development to support sustained impact
Programme Cost
Free – no programme fee for selected participants
Regional Programmes Under the Leaders Program
Region
Format
Duration
Cohort Size
Programme Focus
Leaders Africa
Hybrid
Eight months
35 leaders
Values-based leadership skills and deep relationships with fellow cohort members
Leaders Asia-Pacific
Non-residential
Eight months
Not specified
Values-based leadership to advance inclusive and lasting change across the region
Leaders Europe
Virtual
Eight months
Not specified
Inspire, empower and connect leaders for inclusive and lasting change
Leaders United States
Virtual
Eight months
Not specified
Inspire, empower and connect leaders across the country
Application Components for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028
Component
Details
General Information
Basic information about who you are, where you are from, your background, your work and your contact details
Resume/CV
Details of work experience, leadership history and key achievements
Written Responses
Five or six short questions about your leadership journey, with word limits of 50 to 250 words each
Video Responses
Two short videos of up to two minutes each; simple phone recording sufficient; no editing required; formats accepted: MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG
References
Names, email addresses and affiliations of two people who know you well and can speak to your character, leadership qualities and changemaking work
Eligibility Criteria for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028
Requirement
Details
Age Limit
24–45 years
Eligible Regions
Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States
Applicant Profile
Emerging leaders and changemakers
Sectors
Public, private and civil society
Programme Fee
Free for selected participants
Exceptions
The Foundation does not make exceptions to its eligibility requirements
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
Emerging leaders and changemakers aged 24–45
Yes
Leaders from public, private and civil society sectors
Yes
Leaders from Africa
Yes
Leaders from Asia-Pacific
Yes
Leaders from Europe
Yes
Leaders from the United States
Yes
Leaders with disabilities
Yes – accessibility supported
Leaders from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints
Yes – welcomed and prioritised
Documents Required for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program Application
Document
Details
Resume/CV
Work experience, leadership history and key achievements
Written Responses
Five or six short questions about your leadership journey (50–250 words each)
Video Responses
Two short videos up to two minutes each (MKV, MOV, MP4 or MPEG; phone recording sufficient; no editing required)
References
Two people with names, email addresses and affiliations
General Information
Background, work and contact details
Important Dates for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028
Event
Date
Application Opening Date
November 9, 2026
Priority Application Deadline
November 23, 2026
Final Application Deadline
December 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (GMT-6)
Programme Duration
Eight months (regional formats may vary)
How to Apply for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028
Confirm your eligibility on the official programme website; the Foundation does not make exceptions to eligibility requirements
3
Note the application deadlines: opening November 9, 2026, priority deadline November 23, 2026, final deadline December 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM US Central Time (GMT-6)
4
Prepare your application materials: general information, resume/CV, written responses, two video responses and two references
5
Create a free Submittable account or sign in using Google or Facebook credentials
6
Complete and submit your application through Submittable; you can save progress and return before the final deadline
7
Safelist Submittable notification emails and regularly check the email address associated with your account
Tips for Using Submittable
Tip
Details
Account
Create a free Submittable account or sign in using Google or Facebook credentials
Saving Drafts
The platform has an autosave feature; you can also manually save using the button at the bottom of the form
Q1. What is the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027–2028?
It is an eight-month global leadership development journey for changemakers aged 24–45 from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States.
Q2. Who can apply for the programme?
Emerging leaders and changemakers aged 24–45 from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States, across public, private and civil society sectors.
Q3. Is there a programme fee?
No, the programme is free for all selected participants.
Q4. How long is the programme?
Eight months; regional programme formats may vary.
Q5. What is the time commitment?
Participants commit approximately 8–12 hours per month.
Q6. When do applications open and close?
Applications open on November 9, 2026, and close on December 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (GMT-6).
Q7. Is there a priority deadline?
Yes, the priority deadline is November 23, 2026; applications submitted after it are reviewed based on available space.
Q8. What are the application components?
General information, resume/CV, five or six written responses (50–250 words each), two video responses (up to two minutes each) and two references.
Q9. How are applications submitted?
Through Submittable; you can create a free account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials.
Q10. What happens after completing the programme?
Participants become part of the Obama Foundation's Leadership Network of civically active alumni.
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