Submissions open for Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA Program

The program focuses on emerging Leaders who aim to drive systems-level change across sectors and issues, and have at least three years of demonstrated impact. Participants are values-driven leaders from every corner of the nation who are ready to expand their impact and help strengthen the national culture of democracy.

Leaders USA cohorts will reflect the rich diversity in the United States, with representation from across geographies and underrepresented communities, including people from rural communities, people of color, Native Americans, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, and veterans.

Core Elements

Leaders will participate in the following core elements of the program:

• Timely Conversations
  • Over six months, Leaders come together for virtual meetings to discuss how to move from hope to action through practical tools and training in the values-based leadership and strengthening democracy curricula.
• Weekly Virtual Calls
  • Leaders meet virtually over Zoom throughout the program, engaging with trainers, subject matter experts, and each other to deepen their leadership practice.
• A Community of Support
  • The program includes opportunities for Leaders to meet virtually in breakout groups with Leaders from different parts of the country and with Obama Foundation leadership and experts across sectors.
• Individual Leadership Coaching
  • Leaders are paired with a coach to help them clarify and build out their individual goals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Location
  • The program currently invites individuals residing in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, on tribal lands, and in United States territories to apply including, American Samoa; Guam; Northern Mariana Islands; Puerto Rico; United States Virgin Islands; Minor Outlying Islands; Bajo Nuevo Bank; Baker Island; Howland Island; Jarvis Island; Johnston Atoll; Kingman Reef; Midway Islands; Navassa Island; and Palmyra Atoll.
• Citizenship and Residency
  • You must meet one of the following criteria:
    • Citizen of the United States, U.S. territory, and/or tribal nation or
    • Permanent resident of the United States or an eligible U.S. territory or
    • Have lived in the United States, a U.S. territory, or on tribal lands for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status.
• Leadership Experience
  • You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.
• Age
  • You will be between 24 and 45 years of age on August 26, 2024.
• Language Proficiency
  • You are professionally proficient in spoken and written English.

For more information, visit Obama Foundation.