Leaders United States

About

The Leaders USA program builds on the Obama Foundation’s work over the past five years to support values-driven changemakers in the United States and across the globe.

The Leaders USA program explores how our values-based leadership can strengthen democratic culture, collective action, and the forces of pluralism in our communities both locally and globally. The program equips 100 United States-based leaders driving systems-level change across sectors and issues with the tools, frameworks, mindsets, and relationships to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities.

The program focuses on emerging Leaders, 24-45 years old, who aim to drive lasting and inclusive change across sectors and issues and have at least three years of demonstrated impact. Participants are values-driven leaders from every corner of the nation who are ready to expand their impact and help strengthen our national democratic culture.

Leaders USA cohorts reflect the rich diversity in the United States, with representation from across geographies and a wide variety of communities. The Leaders USA program identifies exceptional leaders in public, civil society, and the private sector who have a clear issue focus and who can illustrate the impact of their work. We seek to assemble cohorts of individuals who can learn from each other based on a range of experiences, approaches, and backgrounds. We work to recruit values-driven changemakers who hold a variety of views and perspectives so that we can create a learning environment that is both supportive and intellectually challenging for Leaders who will need to apply their skills in a diverse set of contexts and with many stakeholders.Our hope is to build a growing network of innovative and active changemakers who are pluralistic in their approach and seek engagement rather than polarization.

Leaders will participate in the following core elements of the program:

Program Arc

Over six months, Leaders come together for weekly virtual sessions featuring subject matter experts, practitioners, case studies, and peer learning to deepen their leadership practice. Leaders will discuss how to move from hope to action through practical tools and training on values-based leadership and strengthening democracy.
A Community of Support

Leaders work in small groups designed to reflect the diversity of the cohort through interdependent peer learning and relationship building. Community groups meet on a monthly basis and are designed as brave, informal spaces for Leaders to discuss takeaways from each module, grapple with multiple diverse perspectives and approaches, and exchange their learnings on values-based leadership in action.
Individual Leadership Coaching

Leaders are paired with a coach for monthly sessions to help them clarify and build out their individual goals, understand your unique strengths and values, and unlock their potential.

How to Apply

The application for the 2025-2026 Leaders United States program is now open. Apply now (Opens in a new tab)!

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Location

The program currently invites individuals residing in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, on tribal lands, and in United States territories to apply including, American Samoa; Guam; Northern Mariana Islands; Puerto Rico; United States Virgin Islands; Minor Outlying Islands; Bajo Nuevo Bank; Baker Island; Howland Island; Jarvis Island; Johnston Atoll; Kingman Reef; Midway Islands; Navassa Island; and Palmyra Atoll.
Citizenship and Residency

You must meet one of the following criteria:
- Citizen of the United States, U.S. territory, and/or tribal nation OR
- Permanent resident of the United States or an eligible U.S. territory OR
- Have lived in the United States, a U.S. territory, or on tribal lands for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status
Geographic Focus

Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change within the United States. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in the United States.
Program Commitment

The Leaders USA program is currently scheduled to begin the week of September 1, 2025 and will conclude no later than May 1, 2026 with planned breaks throughout.
Language Proficiency & Age

You are professionally proficient in English and you will be between 24 and 45 years of age on September 1, 2025.
Political Campaigns

You will refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time you are accepted into the program through May 1, 2025. Selection decisions are currently scheduled to be sent in July and August 2024.
Leadership Experience

You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.
Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program

The Foundation is based in the United States. To participate in the Program, you must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit your participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for in-person programming (if any).