Do you have a passion for public service and a curiosity about the world? Or do you want to pursue a career that positively impacts society? Do you need financial support to complete your college education and explore new opportunities? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in applying for the Voyager Scholarship, a unique program that offers financial aid, travel experiences, and mentorship to college students who aspire to become public service leaders.

In this blog post, we will explain what the Voyager Scholarship is, what are its benefits, who is eligible for it, and how to apply for it. We hope that this information will inspire you to take advantage of this amazing opportunity and join a community of changemakers who share your vision and values.

What is the Voyager Scholar

The Voyager Scholarship is a program that provides college students with financial aid, travel experiences, and mentorship to help them pursue careers in public service.

The Voyager Scholarship consists of four main components:

• Financial aid: Students will receive up to $25,000 per year in “last dollar” financial aid for their junior and senior years of college. This means that the scholarship will cover the remaining cost of attendance after other sources of aid have been applied. This financial aid should alleviate the burden of college debt so that students can afford to pursue a career in public service.
• Travel experiences: Students will receive a $10,000 stipend and Airbnb travel credit to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior years of college. The students will design their own Summer Voyage to gain exposure to new communities and experience in a chosen field. After graduation, Airbnb will provide the students with a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years, totaling $20,000. This will allow students to continue to broaden their horizons and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.
• Mentorship: Students will be invited to an annual summit to help define and inspire their public service journey. They will also have access to an ongoing speaker series, giving them the opportunity to learn from and interact with a network of leaders from various sectors and backgrounds. This network of leaders will expose them to new areas of service and innovations happening in their fields. After graduation, they will join the Obama Foundation’s global community, providing them with Foundation resources and programming.
• Community: Students will become part of a cohort of Voyagers who share their passion for public service and curiosity about the world. They will support each other, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that make a difference. They will also have the chance to meet and connect with former President Obama and Brian Chesky, who will serve as role models and mentors for them.

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What are the benefits of the Voyager Scholarship?

The Voyager Scholarship offers many benefits to students who want to pursue careers in public service. Here are some of the main benefits that you can expect from this program:

• Financial support: The Scholarship will help you pay for your college education and reduce your debt burden. This will give you more freedom and flexibility to choose a career path that aligns with your passion and values, rather than one that is driven by financial constraints. You will also have more resources to invest in your personal and professional development, such as taking courses, attending conferences, or joining organizations that interest you.
• Travel opportunities: The Scholarship will enable you to travel to different places and experience different cultures. This will expand your worldview, enhance your intercultural skills, and expose you to new perspectives and possibilities. And have the chance to work on projects that address local or global issues, such as education, health, environment, or social justice. will learn from and contribute to the communities that you visit, and build lasting relationships The Voyager Scholarship commits to creating a diverse and inclusive cohort of students who represent different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and identities. Plus with people who share your vision.
• Mentorship and guidance: The Scholarship will connect you with a network of leaders who can inspire and support you in your public service journey. You will have access to mentors who can offer you advice, feedback, and opportunities. You will also have the opportunity to learn from and interact with former President Obama and Brian Chesky, who have both demonstrated leadership and innovation in their fields. You will gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes, and apply them to your own goals and aspirations.
• Community and belonging: The Scholarship will introduce you to a cohort of Voyagers who share your passion for public service. You will become part of a community that values diversity, collaboration, and impact. You will support each other, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that make a difference. You will also join the Obama Foundation’s global community, which includes alumni of other Foundation programs, such as the Leaders Program. the Scholars Program, and the Fellows Program. You will have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities that can help you grow as a leader and a changemaker.

Who is eligible for the Scholarship?

The Voyager Scholarship is open to students who meet the following criteria:

• They are entering their junior year at an accredited four-year college or university in the US in the fall of 2023.
• They have demonstrated a financial need, as determined by their college or university.
• They are US citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.
• They have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• They have a demonstrated interest and commitment to public service, as evidenced by their academic, extracurricular, or professional activities.
• They have a curiosity about the world and a willingness to explore new places and cultures.

The Voyager Scholarship commits to creating a diverse and inclusive cohort of students who represent different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and identities. The program welcomes and encourages applications from students of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses.

How to apply for the Voyager Scholarship?

If you are interested in applying for the Voyager Scholarship, you will need to complete an online application form and submit the following materials:

• A personal statement (500 words) that describes your interest and commitment to public service, your goals and aspirations, and how the Voyager Scholarship will help you achieve them.
• A resume or CV that highlights your academic, extracurricular, or professional achievements and activities related to public service.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your character, leadership potential, and public service involvement. One letter should be from a faculty member or academic advisor, and one letter should be from a supervisor or mentor in a public service setting.
• An official transcript from your current college or university.
• A financial aid award letter from your current college or university that shows your expected family contribution (EFC) and unmet need.
• Proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA status.

You can access the application form and instructions on the Scholarship America website and create an account and log in to complete the application. Save your progress and return to the application at any time before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email once you submit your application.

Voyager Scholarship applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Obama Foundation and Scholarship America. The selection process will be based on the following criteria:

• Academic Achievement and Potential
• Financial need
• Public service involvement and Impact
• Leadership skills and potential
• Curiosity and openness to new experiences
• Diversity and inclusion

The finalists will be notified by email and invited to a virtual interview with the selection committee in early May 2023. The final selection and notification of the scholarship recipients will take place in late May 2023.

Conclusion

This Scholarship is a unique and exciting opportunity for college students who want to pursue careers in public service and make a positive difference in the world. The scholarship provides financial aid, travel experiences, mentorship, and community to help students achieve their goals and aspirations. The scholarship is open to students entering their junior year of college at an accredited four-year college or university in the US, who have demonstrated a financial need, and who are US citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

If you are interested in applying for the Voyager Scholarship, you should visit the Scholarship America website and complete the online application time. You will also need to submit a personal statement, a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, an official transcript, a financial aid award letter, and proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA status. We hope that this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration about the We wish you all the best in your application and your future endeavors!