Children with a range of ages and light to deep skin tones gather around a man with a light skin tone. He is wearing a Chicago Bulls t-shirt. More children in white t-shirts can be seen on the basketball court in the background.

The Obama Foundation activates people around the world to more powerfully participate, through leadership training, values-based curriculum, and community building.

Presidential Center Programs and Events

Join programs and events designed to foster community, education, and creativity. Explore a series of activities ranging from live music to gardening activities to youth sports.

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  • Teen Action Lab

    The Foundation and After School Matters partner together to bring hands-on sports and wellness programming to teens across the South Side.

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  • Civics and Democracy Education

    Explore programs designed to help students and educators cultivate their knowledge of our democracy and support values-based citizenry.

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  • Performances

    Live performances bring The Center to life with dance, theater, music, and moments of shared joy for visitors.

  • Summer Garden Gatherings

    Find community on campus in an events series celebrating wellness and creativity all summer long.

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Global Leadership Programs

Leadership Development programs and scholarships that connect, inspire, and empower leaders committed to advancing the common good. 

  • Obama Leaders

    An eight-month virtual leadership development journey for 24-45 year old leaders in a regional cohort model–Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States–focused on supporting leaders to accelerating lasting change in their communities and regions. 

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  • Obama Foundation Scholars

    An academic year-long leadership program, run with the University of Chicago and Columbia University, supporting changemakers across disciplines and issue areas to increase the impact of their work.

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  • Voyager Scholarship

    The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program for undergraduate students in the U.S. committed to pursuing careers in public service.

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  • Obama Leadership Network

    The alumni home for graduates of all Obama global programs where leaders collaborate to continue expanding their impact. 

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Foundation Initiatives

Driving systemic change through targeted initiatives that uplift adolescent girls and young men of color to reach their highest potential.

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My Brother's Keeper Alliance

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance leads a cross-sector national call to action focused on building safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color.
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Girls Opportunity Alliance

The Girls Opportunity Alliance seeks to empower adolescent girls around the world through education, allowing them to achieve their full potential.
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Program stories

José Patiño, a man with a medium skin tone, speaks with a reporter in Phoenix, in September 2017. Her back is to the camera. He is wearing a yellow shirt. In the background, signs read, “support DACA,” “protect,” and “defend.”
  • Programs
  • Stories
How an Obama Leader went from undocumented child to helping thousands of immigrants
José Patiño is doing the work to serve immigrants—from helping them afford college to ensuring they get due process.
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Nika Kovač, a white woman with a light skin tone, holds a closed-lip smile. She is wearing a tan jacket and a black shirt that reads “My Voice, My Choice.” She has brown hair and bangs and is wearing pink lipstick.
  • Programs
  • Stories
Obama Leader and Scholar advances reproductive rights in Europe
Nika Kovač's "My Voice, My Choice" pushed the EU to advance reproductive rights, expanding access to safe abortion for millions.
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A panel of five women physicians smile on stage as they speak to the crowd of leaders during the Alliance’s Chicago convening. The women have a range of light to dark skin tones, and are wearing blazers and dresses.
  • Programs
  • Stories
Girls Opportunity Alliance convenes over 100 girl-serving leaders to build connection and collaboration
See how the Alliance is bringing together Chicagoland leaders for shared learning, reflection, and inspiration.
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A group of young men with a range of light to dark skin tones sit in a circle with President Obama. President Obama is wearing a shirt and tie, Some wear shirts have white text that reads "BAM.” The walls behind them are decorated with a bulletin board that includes flags and other posters.
  • Stories
  • MBK Alliance
MBK Alum goes from meeting President Obama to mentoring young men
Math teacher Lazarus Daniels met President Obama in 2013. Now a leader at Urban Prep Charter Academy, his journey reflects the long-term impact of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.
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