An increasingly globalized world needs young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve our biggest challenges. The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb, to help shape such leaders. Even though they come from different backgrounds, both President Obama and Brian believe that exposure to new places and experiences generates understanding, empathy, and cooperation, which equips the next generation to create meaningful change.
The Voyager Scholarship provides barrier-reducing “last dollar” financial aid of up to $25,000 per year for students’ junior and senior years of college. In addition, students will have the opportunity to design a summer-long work-travel experience (supported by a $10,000 stipend and free housing in Airbnb listings). Junior year Voyagers are also invited to attend a Fall Summit with President Obama and Brian Chesky and gain access to a robust network of leaders and mentors.
Scholarship Details
- "Last dollar" financial aid of up to $25,000 per year for junior and senior years
- Summer work-travel experience with a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing
- Attendance at a Fall Summit with President Obama and Brian Chesky
- Access to a network of leaders and mentors
Eligibility Criteria
- Plan to enroll full-time in their junior year of study at an accredited college or university in the United States (U.S.) in the Fall. Eligible students are completing their sophomore year in Spring or transferring from a 2-year to a 4-year college or university for their junior academic year. "Junior" is defined as having earned the needed number of credits at your institution to be considered a "Junior" or having two years of full-time enrollment remaining before earning your Bachelor’s degree.
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Have demonstrated a commitment to public service
- Plan to pursue a career in public service upon graduation
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (holder of a Permanent Resident Card), or an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA)
Application Process
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including academic and public service commitments
- Plan to enroll full-time in your junior year for the coming academic year
- Prepare to demonstrate financial need and academic achievement
We need young people from every corner of this country who share a curiosity about the world and the conviction to want to make positive change within it - just like the scholarship's founders. Students should have a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.
