The Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, also known as the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship, is a prestigious two-year leadership development and scholarship program created by President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb.
Designed for undergraduate students committed to public service, leadership, and community impact, the Voyager Scholarship provides up to $50,000 in financial aid, a fully funded summer work-travel experience, and long-term access to a global network of leaders, mentors, and changemakers.
About the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
In an increasingly globalized world, the need for young leaders who can bridge divides, build empathy, and solve complex global challenges has never been greater. The Voyager Scholarship was created to support students who share this vision and demonstrate a strong commitment to public service.
Although they come from different professional backgrounds, the Obamas and Brian Chesky share a belief that exposure to new places, cultures, and experiences fosters understanding, cooperation, and transformative leadership. The Voyager Scholarship reflects this belief by combining financial support, experiential learning, and leadership development.
The program seeks students from every corner of the United States who:
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Have a passion for helping others
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Have experience serving or building community
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Demonstrate curiosity, leadership potential, and an expansive view of public service
Program Overview
The Voyager Scholarship Program is a two-year scholarship and leadership journey for students entering their junior and senior years of undergraduate study.
Over the course of the program, Voyagers engage in structured leadership development, experiential learning, and mentorship opportunities designed to help them:
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Clarify their values-based leadership approach
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Build bridges across diverse communities
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Deepen their commitment to careers in public service
Scholarship Benefits
1. Up to $50,000 in Financial Aid
Voyager Scholars receive up to $25,000 per year in “last-dollar” financial aid for their junior and senior years of undergraduate study.
This support helps reduce student debt and enables recipients to pursue careers in public service without financial constraints.
2. Fully Funded Summer Voyage
Between the junior and senior year, students receive:
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A $10,000 stipend
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Free Airbnb housing (up to $4,200)
Students design their own Summer Voyage, a work-travel experience that allows them to gain exposure to new communities, cultures, and professional fields aligned with their public service goals.
3. 10-Year Travel Stipend
After graduation, Airbnb provides Voyagers with a $2,000 travel credit each year for 10 years, totaling $20,000.
This long-term benefit supports continued global exposure, learning, and connection throughout a public service career.
4. Fall Leadership Summit
During their junior year, Voyagers may attend an in-person Fall Summit, where they:
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Engage in community-building activities
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Strengthen leadership skills
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Learn directly from experienced public service leaders
5. Network of Leaders and Mentors
Throughout the program, students gain access to:
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A curated speaker series
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Mentorship from leaders across sectors
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Exposure to innovative approaches to public service
After graduation, Voyagers join the Obama Foundation’s global alumni community, unlocking continued access to resources, programming, and networks.
Meet the Voyagers
Each cohort of Obama-Chesky Voyagers represents a diverse group of emerging leaders working across fields such as public policy, education, health, climate action, social justice, and community development. Together, they collaborate across differences to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Be current second-year undergraduate students
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Be entering their third year (junior year) in the Fall following application
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Meet all eligibility requirements at both the time of application and enrollment
Full eligibility details are available in the official FAQs.
How to Apply
Applications for the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service 2026 are now open.
Application Deadline:
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
11:59 PM Central Time (UTC-6)
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and review all eligibility criteria before submission.
Virtual Information Sessions
Prospective applicants can attend virtual information sessions to learn more about the scholarship, hear from current Voyagers, and ask questions about the application process and program experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Comprehensive FAQs are available and include information on:
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Eligibility requirements
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Financial aid structure
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Summer Voyage details
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Leadership programming
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Alumni engagement
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is more than a scholarship—it is a long-term investment in future public service leaders. By combining financial support, global exposure, and mentorship, the program equips students with the tools, networks, and experiences needed to create meaningful, lasting change.
Join the Voyager Scholarship and be part of a community committed to shaping a better future through public service.
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