Obama Foundation Leaders USA Program 2025-2026

The Obama Foundation Leaders USA program is a six-month, non-residential leadership development program that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders across the country.

Donor Name: Obama Foundation

State: All States

County: All Counties

Type of Grant: Program

Deadline: 12/18/2024

Size of the Grant: Not Available

Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year

Details:

The Leaders USA program explores how the values-based leadership can strengthen democratic culture, collective action, and the forces of pluralism in the communities both locally and globally. The program equips 100 United States-based leaders driving systems-level change across sectors and issues with the tools, frameworks, mindsets, and relationships to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities.

The program focuses on emerging Leaders, 24-45 years old, who aim to drive lasting and inclusive 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 democratic culture.

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

Program Arc
- Over six months, Leaders come together for weekly virtual sessions featuring subject matter experts, practitioners, case studies, and peer learning to deepen their leadership practice. Leaders will discuss how to move from hope to action through practical tools and training on values-based leadership and strengthening democracy.
A Community of Support
- Leaders work in small groups designed to reflect the diversity of the cohort through interdependent peer learning and relationship building. Community groups meet on a monthly basis and are designed as brave, informal spaces for Leaders to discuss takeaways from each module, grapple with multiple diverse perspectives and approaches, and exchange their learnings on values-based leadership in action.
Individual Leadership Coaching
- Leaders are paired with a coach for monthly sessions to help them clarify and build out their individual goals, understand your unique strengths and values, and unlock their potential.

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
Geographic Focus
- Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change within the United States. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in the United States.
Program Commitment
- The Leaders USA program is currently scheduled to begin the week of September 1, 2025 and will conclude no later than May 1, 2026 with planned breaks throughout.
Language Proficiency & Age
- You are professionally proficient in English and you will be between 24 and 45 years of age on September 1, 2025.
Political Campaigns
- You will refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time you are accepted into the program through May 1, 2025. Selection decisions are currently scheduled to be sent in July and August 2024.
Leadership Experience
- You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.
Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program
- The Foundation is based in the United States. To participate in the Program, you must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit your participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for in-person programming (if any).