The Voyager Scholarship is a unique opportunity for college students seeking to alleviate the burden of college debt while gaining valuable travel experiences and mentorship. A joint effort by former President Obama and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, this scholarship offers up to $50,000 in financial aid, helping students complete their final two years of college. Aimed at fostering future leaders who can bridge divides and solve significant challenges, the Voyager Scholarship targets college students who demonstrate financial need and a passion for public service.
Eligible students for the Voyager Scholarship must be entering their junior year of college at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. As part of the application process, students must exhibit financial need and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients. Successful applicants will not only receive financial aid but will also benefit from travel opportunities, mentorship, and leadership support, expanding their horizons and enhancing their capacity to effect meaningful change in the world.
Key Takeaways
- The Voyager Scholarship offers $50,000 in financial aid to financially needy college students passionate about public service
- Eligible applicants must be entering their junior year at an accredited U.S. college or university and demonstrate financial need
- Recipients gain access to enriching travel experiences, mentorship, and leadership support to aid in their personal and professional growth
Eligibility Requirements
The Voyager Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students in need of financial assistance. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, applicants must be either a US citizen, US permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA). This means that both citizens and permanent residents can apply, as well as those who are part of the DACA program.
Additionally, the scholarship is targeted towards college students who have completed their sophomore year and will be entering their junior year in the fall. The Voyager Scholarship is designed to financially support students for their remaining two years of college, during their junior and senior years. To be considered, applicants need to be enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university.
Having a good academic standing is essential for this scholarship. Applicants are required to hold a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This ensures that the scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their education.
Financial need is another important consideration for the Voyager Scholarship. This scholarship has been created to support students who may be struggling with the financial burden of college education. With awards of up to $25,000 per year, the scholarship can provide significant relief to those in need of such support.
In summary, applicants for the Voyager Scholarship should be US citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients, entering their junior year at an accredited four-year college or university, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need. By meeting these eligibility requirements, students can apply for this valuable opportunity to receive financial assistance during their final two years of college.
Application Process
To apply for the Voyager Scholarship, you must follow several steps and meet specific eligibility requirements. The application process is designed to ensure that deserving students who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue a career in public service get the necessary support.
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program and will have completed at least two years of college by the start of the scholarship period. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate financial need, be committed to a career in public service, and be a senior or junior student.
Step 2: Prepare your application requirements. This includes:
- Short responses to prompts related to public service and leadership
- A 2-minute video expressing your passion for public service and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals
- A current, complete transcript of grades, including the student’s name, school name, grades, and credit hours for each course, as well as the term in which each course was taken
Ensure that you gather these materials before accessing the online application portal.
Step 3: Visit the online application portal during the application window, which typically lies between January and March. Create an account and complete the application form, providing the necessary information and uploading your supporting documents.
Step 4: Review your application carefully, ensuring that all details are correct and the required documents have been uploaded. Submit your application before the deadline, which is usually around 3:00 pm Central Time on the last day of the application window.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation message. A selection committee will then review all applications and determine the recipients of the Voyager Scholarship. While you wait for the decision, stay updated by visiting the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship page for FAQs and further information.
Scholarship Benefits
The Voyager Scholarship offers a variety of benefits to support students in their pursuit of higher education and public service careers. One of the main benefits is the financial aid provided, which can be as much as up to $50,000 in total. Students receive up to $25,000 per year during their junior and senior years of college. This “last dollar” financial aid aims to alleviate the burden of college debt, enabling students to pursue careers in public service.
In addition to financial support, Voyager Scholarship recipients are given the opportunity to design a summer-long work/travel experience. This experience is supported by a $10,000 stipend and free housing in Airbnb-listed properties to help cover the cost of their summer work and accommodations. The work-travel experience allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience in public service projects while also enriching their cultural knowledge through travel.
Recipients of the Voyager Scholarship also receive a $2,000 travel credit from Airbnb to be used during their summer experience, providing additional support for their transportation and travel expenses. This unique benefit enables students to explore different cultures and communities while gaining crucial public service experience.
Another notable feature of the Voyager Scholarship is the invitation to attend annual summits, such as the Fall Summit, where scholars can connect with other recipients and alumni, engage in leadership development activities, and network with professionals in the public service sector. These summits contribute to the ongoing growth and development of Voyager Scholars as they delve deeper into their chosen fields.
With its generous financial support, work-travel experiences, and networking opportunities, the Voyager Scholarship equips its scholars with the tools necessary to excel in their college education and contribute significantly to the realm of public service.
Voyager Scholarship Goals
The Voyager Scholarship aims to empower young leaders who are dedicated to making a difference in the world through a commitment to public service. These aspiring leaders are selected to become Voyagers based on their potential to bridge divides and collaborate in an increasingly globalized world. By cultivating understanding, empathy, and cooperation among its scholars, the Voyager Scholarship fosters the development of the next generation of leaders.
A central objective of the scholarship is to support students who plan to pursue a career in public service. By providing financial aid and mentorship, the program endeavors to alleviate the burden of college debt and create opportunities for college juniors and seniors to engage in meaningful change. This focus on public service is carefully balanced with the need to expose the scholars to diverse cultures and challenges, equipping them with the tools necessary to become effective leaders.
In addition to offering up to $50,000 in financial aid for the recipient’s last two years of college, the Voyager Scholarship also provides scholars with valuable travel experiences to broaden their perspectives and expand their horizons. The involvement of Airbnb’s CEO, Brian Chesky, in the Voyager Scholarship highlights the importance of travel and cross-cultural experiences in developing a deeper understanding of global issues and the ability to bridge divides.
By fostering a strong network of mentors, leaders, and fellow scholars, the Voyager Scholarship provides an exceptional framework for its scholars to develop their leadership skills and contribute to a more cooperative and empathetic global community. With a strong emphasis on public service, understanding, and cooperation, the scholarship aims to enable the next generation of leaders to create a lasting impact on the world.
The Program Timeline
The Voyager Scholarship offers its recipients an exciting and transformative journey throughout their junior and senior years of college. Kicking off with a unique summer voyage, scholars will gain valuable experiences, develop lasting relationships, and foster their personal and professional growth.
Recipients of the Voyager Scholarship are typically chosen just before finishing their sophomore year. This timing ensures they can plan accordingly for the summer voyage and maximize the opportunities provided by the program. Selected scholars will embark on a summer voyage to a new destination, immersing themselves in a different culture and community. This experience is designed to expand their horizons, foster empathy, and empower them to become global citizens.
During their junior year of study, Voyager Scholars will carry the skills and insights gained from the summer voyage into their academic and extracurricular pursuits. They will work together with their peers, faculty, and mentors to address contemporary challenges and create meaningful change within their institutions and communities. Furthermore, scholars will have access to resources and networking opportunities provided by the Obama Foundation to support their development.
As they move into their senior years, Voyager Scholars will continue building on their experiences and engaging in public service initiatives. They will apply their knowledge and leadership skills to create lasting impact, both in their local communities and on a global scale.
In summary, the Voyager Scholarship presents a truly unique and enriching experience for students entering their junior year of study. By participating in the program, scholars not only receive financial aid but also embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey of personal growth, professional development, and global impact.
Mentorship and Support
The Voyager Scholarship is a unique program created as a collaboration between the Obama Foundation and Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb. This scholarship focuses on providing financial assistance and valuable travel experiences to college juniors and seniors planning to pursue careers in public service. In addition to these benefits, the Voyager Scholarship program also offers robust mentorship and support services to further enrich the students’ learning and growth.
The Obama Foundation has always emphasized the importance of mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders. As part of the Voyager Scholarship, recipients gain access to a wide network of mentors, including those involved with the Obama Foundation, to help them navigate their careers in public service. These mentors are individuals who have extensive experience in various fields such as politics, public service, and social innovation. They share their knowledge, insights, and professional connections with the scholars, helping them develop into the future leaders our communities need.
The network of mentors is not limited to the Obama Foundation’s circle. As Airbnb’s CEO, Brian Chesky plays a crucial role in engaging various public service professionals and industry leaders to become mentors, thus expanding the pool of resources available to the Voyager Scholarship recipients. The presence of mentors with diverse backgrounds and experiences ensures that scholars receive well-rounded support as they embark on their public service journey.
By offering tailored guidance, support, and resources, the Voyager Scholarship’s mentorship component is instrumental in fostering the growth and success of these young leaders. Through the combination of financial aid, travel experiences, and access to a vast network of mentors, the Voyager Scholarship empowers students to pursue their passion for public service with confidence and clarity.
Leadership Opportunities
The Voyager Scholarship offers more than just financial aid for college students. It also provides a platform for students to engage in leadership opportunities with a global community of young leaders. These initiatives are designed to equip Voyagers with the skills and experiences necessary to solve our world’s biggest challenges.
As part of this unique program, scholars are given access to leadership programs that expose them to diverse viewpoints and ideas. These educational modules enable Voyagers to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. They are taught to embrace differences, learn from others, and adapt to evolving situations.
An essential component of the Voyager Scholarship is the speaker series, which features influential leaders from various industries sharing their insights and experiences. Through these events, Voyager Scholars gain invaluable perspectives on leadership, public service, and entrepreneurship. These sessions also provide networking opportunities, allowing scholars to connect with like-minded peers and mentors.
Learning and development play a vital role in this scholarship program. By participating in workshops, seminars, and other activities, Voyager Scholars can actively develop their leadership qualities while acquiring new talents. This continuous growth is essential for them to become effective agents of change in a rapidly changing world.
In summary, the Voyager Scholarship offers students a unique opportunity to join a global community of young leaders committed to making a positive impact. By gaining access to leadership programs, speaker series, and various learning and development opportunities, Voyager Scholars can hone their skills and prepare to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and clarity.
Impact and Success Stories
The Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is a testament to the power of collaboration between the Obama Foundation and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. This unique opportunity aims to empower young leaders through financial aid and real-world experiences. As part of the larger Obama-Chesky Scholarship initiative, the Voyager Scholarship continues to create a positive impact on the lives of students and the communities they serve.
Throughout the years, numerous students have benefited from the financial assistance provided by the program. Recipients of the Voyager Scholarship obtain up to $50,000 in financial aid for their junior and senior years of college, easing their financial burdens and allowing them to focus on their studies and public service endeavors.
Beyond the monetary support, the Voyager Scholarship is also designed to encourage scholars to gain exposure to new places and cultures. Each student is given the opportunity to design a summer-long work/travel experience supported by a $10,000 stipend, as well as free housing in Airbnb-listed properties. This enriching experience allows scholars to broaden their perspectives, develop their skills, and expand their network, ultimately fostering a strong foundation for future public service careers.
Success stories arising from the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service are not only centered on individual achievements, but also revolve around these young leaders’ capacity to create a lasting impact on their communities. Whether it’s through innovative projects, volunteer work, or civic engagement, the scholarship recipients continue to exemplify the spirit of the program by making a tangible difference in society.
In conclusion, the impact of the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service goes beyond just financial assistance, creating a long-lasting effect on the lives of students and the communities they serve, both domestically and internationally. As more scholars embark on their journeys of public service through the program, the positive effects of the Voyager Scholarship and the Obama-Chesky initiatives continue to grow and inspire future generations of leaders.
Additional Information
The Voyager Scholarship, a joint effort by former President Obama and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, aims to provide financial aid and travel experiences to young people committed to public service. The scholarship offers up to $50,000 to alleviate the burden of college debt, enabling juniors and seniors to pursue a career in public service fields such as social work.
Recent news and updates from the organization emphasize their commitment to building a strong community of Voyager Scholars. The inaugural cohort of Voyager Scholarship recipients was recently announced, showcasing individuals dedicated to making an impact in an increasingly globalized world.
The financial aid provided through this scholarship is designed as “last dollar” aid, allocated to cover expenses after any other earned credits have been applied. This ensures that recipients can focus on their studies and public service without the looming pressure of college debt.
It’s important to note that the Voyager Scholarship is also open to DACA recipients, making it accessible to a more diverse group of young people passionate about public service. This reflects the program’s commitment to inclusivity and supporting individuals from various backgrounds.
In addition to the financial aid component, Voyager Scholars will have the unique opportunity to engage in travel experiences through Airbnb. The program encourages recipients to immerse themselves in different cultures and communities, enhancing their understanding of global challenges and strengthening their ability to bridge divides.
As a part of the Voyager community, scholars will benefit from networking opportunities and access to resources, such as mentorship and professional development, further bolstering their commitment to public service.
In conclusion, the Voyager Scholarship is a valuable resource for college students in their junior and senior years, particularly those dedicated to public service. This scholarship is paving the way for future generations to create meaningful change in our world without being hindered by college debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate for the Voyager scholarship?
Unfortunately, the exact acceptance rate for the Voyager scholarship is not available. However, it is a competitive scholarship, so it’s important to prepare a well-rounded application and demonstrate your commitment to public service.
Where can I find more information about the Voyager scholarship on Reddit?
You can find more information about the Voyager scholarship on Reddit in the r/scholarships subreddit. Participation in the subreddit can help you stay updated on the application process and gain insights from fellow applicants and past recipients.
Who are some notable recipients of the Voyager scholarship?
Information on specific notable recipients of the Voyager scholarship is not readily available. However, the scholarship attracts high-achieving students passionate about public service and aims to support their academic and professional pursuits.
When is the application deadline for the Voyager scholarship 2023?
The Voyager Scholarship 2023 application deadline hasn’t been announced yet. To stay informed of key dates and deadlines, keep checking the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship page.
What is the timeline for the Voyager scholarship application process?
While the exact timeline for the 2023 Voyager scholarship application process is not available, you can expect the process to span over a few months, starting with the opening of applications and ending with the announcement of recipients. It’s crucial to stay informed about the timeline by monitoring the official Voyager Scholarship webpage.
Is the Voyager scholarship specifically for public service?
Yes, the Voyager scholarship is specifically designed for students who are pursuing careers in public service. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to public service and describe their career goals accordingly. To learn more about the eligibility criteria, visit the Voyager Scholarship’s official page.