Obama Foundation Scholars

The University of Chicago Scholars program launched in 2018 and has supported over 125 students in their final year of study in a Master’s program at one of three Schools at the University of Chicago: the Harris School of Public Policy; Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice; and Booth School of Business. After graduating from the program, Scholars have been turning their bold visions and plans for their communities into reality. They have led city-wide youth initiatives, created vibrant community arts spaces, and spearheaded workforce development programs that foster economic equity.

The Obama Foundation offers a robust curriculum of leadership development, training, networking activities, and customized support throughout the academic year to help the Obama Scholars gain the real-world skills, tools, and experiences they need to expand the impact of their work after graduation. These experiences allow Scholars to gain insights from high-level leaders across sectors and from the wealth of knowledge across the network of Obama Foundation program participants while planning the way they’d like to reinvest after they graduate from the program.

With a particular focus on the neighborhoods near campus, the program also taps into the rich research ecosystems of the University of Chicago and the city of Chicago itself, providing opportunities to learn about place-based change.

Over the course of this one-year program, students develop a distinctly interdisciplinary approach to advancing social change, and leave the University and Scholars program committed to working to address complex social challenges through impactful careers across sectors and the world.

The application for the 2026-2027 University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars Program is now closed.

• Will University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars receive an additional University of Chicago degree for participating in this program?

  No. Scholars will receive a certificate from the Obama Foundation and the degree they are eligible to receive from the University of Chicago based on their coursework in their respective schools.

• Do I need to maintain any particular political affiliation to be selected as a UChicago Obama Scholar?

  No. The UChicago Obama Scholars Program is a non-partisan, non-political program that is not affiliated with any political party or entity. We are looking for Scholars who will bring a diverse set of perspectives to the program.

• I am running for public office. Can I apply?

  No. Applicants who are running campaigns for public office during the program term do not meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the program, due to the Obama Foundation’s status as a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the United States.

• I am a part-time student at one of the partner schools. Can I apply?

  Booth School of Business

  Booth Full-Time, Evening, and Weekend MBA students who have completed between 10 and 16 classes by the end of Summer Quarter 2023 and will graduate sometime in 2024 are eligible. Students who are graduating in 2024 but have taken more than 16 classes should notify Booth’s Rustandy Center of Social Sector Innovation before applying (rustandycenter@chicagobooth.edu).

  As the University of Chicago will conduct most Scholars programming in-person, part-time student participants must be able to participate during in-person programming in Chicago through the end of Spring 2024, mainly in the evenings and some during the day.

  Crown Family School

  All students from the Crown Family School – full-time and part-time – who are entering the final year of their master’s program are eligible to apply.

  Harris School of Public Policy

  Harris Evening Master’s Program (EMP) students who are scheduled to graduate by Summer 2024 are eligible. As the University of Chicago will conduct most Scholars programming in-person, part-time student participants must be able to participate during in-person programming in Chicago through the end of Spring 2024, mainly in the evening and some during the day.

• Can Scholars participate in one portion of the program rather than a full academic year?

  No. Scholars must commit to participating in the full program for the entire academic year.

• Is there a cost to participate or apply?

  No. There is no additional cost for eligible University of Chicago students to apply nor to participate in this program. Each participating Scholar will receive $10,000 of financial support in the form of a stipend to defray tuition costs and living expenses in their final year.