We are looking for the next generation of Obama Leaders!

Before you get started, please take a moment to read the information below. When you’re ready, head to the bottom of the page and use the button to launch your application.

1. Review the program webpage and the frequently asked questions for your program of interest. 

Find key details regarding eligibility, selection criteria, technical requirements, accessibility, and overall program expectations. Spend some time getting to know leaders from current and past years of this program. 

2. Confirm your eligibility.

Eligibility requirements can be found on our website. Ensure you meet ALL requirements. We do not make exceptions to the specified eligibility criteria.      

3. Note the application deadlines on your calendar.

Applications open November 9, 2026, and close December 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (GMT-6). Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of November 23, 2026. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will continue to be reviewed based on available space. 

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so please take care to ensure you take into account varying time zones when you submit your application. 

4. Know What’s Inside.

You can save your progress and return at any time before the final deadline.

• General Information: Basic details about who you are, where you are from, your background, your work, and your contact information.
• Resume / CV: A prompt to detail your work experience, leadership history, and key achievements.
• Written Responses: Five or six short questions about your leadership journey.  Each question has its own word limit, ranging from 50 to 250 words. Please answer in your own voice as we look to get to know you, understand your leadership journey, and the values that inform your leadership.
• 2 Video Responses: Two short videos of up to 2 minutes each. A simple phone recording is perfect, and no editing is needed. Accepted formats: MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG.
• 2 References:  You will submit the names, email addresses, and affiliations of two people who know you well and can speak to your character, leadership qualities, and changemaking work.

5. Tips on using Submittable:

• You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms. 
• You can return to a saved draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date. There is an autosave feature, but you can also manually save your draft by clicking the button at the bottom of the form. Delete your saved draft and start the application over if necessary.
• Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please ensure you are using a supported browser.
• We will follow up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.

Technical Questions?

Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Technical Support.

The Obama Foundation holds the conviction that assembling leaders with a range of experiences, approaches, backgrounds, and divergent points of view will enhance inclusion and belonging and enrich the learning experience for everyone. We take a holistic approach to selecting our cohorts—seeking to bring together leaders from across issues and sectors who can learn from each other’s experiences, forge innovative collaborations, and inspire each other with new ways of addressing urgent challenges.

We welcome Leaders across lines of race, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and ability. We are also committed to making this program accessible to Leaders with disabilities, from the application process through the entire program experience.