Former President Barack Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama have collaborated with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky to launch a $100 million scholarship.
Barack took to Twitter to announce the scholarship on May 16.
“I’m proud to announce The Voyager Scholarship with my friend @bchesky,” he wrote. “We hope to provide young people with an interest in public service with some financial support to graduate college, exposure to travel, and the networks they need to make a difference.”
I’m proud to announce the Voyager Scholarship with my friend @bchesky. We hope to provide young people with an interest in public service with some financial support to graduate college, exposure to travel, and the networks they need to make a difference. https://t.co/rbtrjAlgPe pic.twitter.com/RZ7QKNMMWw
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 16, 2022
The Voyager Scholarship will reportedly support college graduates looking to begin a career in public service by providing financial aid, travel stipends and networking opportunities. It has been funded by Chesky, who donated $100 million to the Obama Foundation and will support 100 students in its first year, including those entering their junior year at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. The students must also be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients and demonstrate a financial need to be eligible.
In addition to $50,000 in financial aid that will pay for students’ junior and senior years in college, they will also receive a “Summer Voyage” work-travel experience, including a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing. Once the students complete their studies and graduate, Airbnb will then provide each of them with a $2,000 travel credit every year for a decade. They’ll also be invited to an annual summit to meet with former President Obama and Chesky and network with other Voyagers.
“So many people have a passion for public service, but they don’t go into public service because they can’t afford to. They have too much financial burden looming over them,” Chesky said.
According to Obama’s official website, students can apply for The Voyager Scholarship now, the deadline being Jun. 14. Those that get accepted will be notified in September.
