Today, Columbia World Projects (CWP) announced the 2023-2024 Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University. This cohort comprises 12 emerging leaders from across the globe who will undertake a residency at CWP for the academic year.
“We eagerly welcome this new cohort of Scholars, each with a distinguished track record of commitment to serving their communities. As with previous cohorts, I know that they will take full advantage of the comprehensive offerings that the program provides. At the same time, their presence on campus will undoubtedly inspire us and the broader Columbia community,” remarked Wafaa El-Sadr, Director of Columbia World Projects and Executive Vice President of Columbia Global.
The sixth cohort of Columbia University Obama Foundation Scholars will immerse themselves in a year-long program tailored to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to amplify their impact and further contribute to their communities. Key components of the program include a weekly seminar, personal and professional development workshops, audited courses at Columbia University, a thought leadership speaker series, and bespoke programming crafted by CWP in collaboration with the Obama Foundation. The year will provide Scholars with the skills, tools, and connections to create profound change both locally and globally. A recent five-year review revealed that alumni overwhelmingly felt that the program significantly influenced their leadership journeys and evolution as social impact leaders.
“I believe deeply in the mission of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program and am thrilled to welcome the sixth cohort of fellows to Columbia,” said President Minouche Shafik, who began her tenure as Columbia’s 20th president on July 1, 2023. “I know that these Scholars will benefit immeasurably from all that this University has to offer, and I am excited to see the impact they will have on our campuses, their communities, and the world in the months and years ahead.”
Initiated in 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars program aims to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders, equipping them to make more substantial contributions to their global communities. While one group of Scholars is hosted at Columbia University, another cohort joins the program at the University of Chicago. Throughout the year, Scholars from both universities partake in joint activities facilitated by the Obama Foundation and maintain strong ties post-program.
Meet the 2023-2024 Scholars
About Columbia World Projects
Columbia World Projects mobilizes the university’s researchers and scholars to work with governments, organizations, businesses and communities to tackle global challenges.
We are part of Columbia Global, established July 2022, which brings together major initiatives from across the university to advance knowledge and foster global engagement to address complex global challenges. As of July 2023, Columbia Global comprises CWP, the Columbia Global Centers, the Committee on Global Thought, and the Institute for Ideas and Imagination.