Former President Obama teams up with Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, to launch scholarship fund for college students within public service field.
The news was confirmed Monday by former president Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Airbnb Co-founder Brian Chesky, as they officially unveil the Voyager Scholarship, The Obama-Chesky College Scholarship for Public Service students.
In the scholarship's announcement video, President Obama says that this scholarship will assist students who are part of the next generation of leaders in our communities.
“If we want this next generation of leaders to be able to do what they need to do, they have to meet each other. They have to know each other. They have to understand each other’s communities,” said President Obama in the scholarship's announcement video. “You’re going to find young people from every corner of this country who are going to be future change-makers. There are leaders everywhere. We just have to find them.”
The Voyager Scholarship is a two-year program for juniors and seniors in college studying across the country, who are also committee to pursuing a professional career in public service.
According to reports, who selected for this scholarship will be eligible to receive up to $50,000 in funding.
Airbnb Co-founder and CEO says that The Voyager Scholarship that this fund will expand the horizons of young leaders in our country who have a strong passion to serve the American public.
“We need a generation of leaders who are willing to cooperate and build bridges, but it’s hard to build a bridge if you haven’t seen the other side of the river,” Chesky said. “The Voyager Scholarship will broaden their horizons and give these young leaders tools and experiences that will shape their careers. There are young people across the country who have a passion for public service, but can’t pursue it because of their student loan debt. We want to help reduce that burden.” he added.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama says this is a huge step for current and future college students in the public service field, especially for the many students who are more than qualified to attend great academic programs but don't have the financial assistance to enroll and succeed.
“Education is personal for me,” said the former First Lady, “I’ve met so many young people who are interested in public service, but they’re wondering how they’re going to pay for school or whether they’ll get to see the world beyond their own community. We could not be more grateful to team up with Brian to help out these young people on their journey to create change.”
The Voyager Scholarship will start accepting applications this week and has a deadline set for June 14, 2022. About 100 college students will be welcomed into the inaugural class of this scholarship fund, notifying them by no later than September of this year.
