Houston, your moment has arrived! If you've ever dreamed of transforming your neighborhood, championing educational equity, strengthening democracy, or building a better tomorrow, the Obama Foundation wants to hear from you.

The internationally acclaimed Obama Foundation Leaders Program officially opened applications November 9 for its 2027–2028 class, inviting ambitious changemakers ages 24–45 from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States to join a powerful movement of purpose-driven leadership.

And here's the exciting part: You don't need a corner office, a political title, or a million-dollar organization to make a difference. You need commitment, experience, vision, and the courage to lead.

From Houston to the World

Since the Foundation launched its leadership initiatives in 2017, more than 1,800 changemakers worldwide have joined its expanding leadership community.

These are individuals transforming education, advancing social justice, improving economic opportunities, strengthening communities, and confronting challenges that demand more than ordinary solutions.

"Each year, we welcome a new class of leaders doing extraordinary things in their communities around the world, and we help them maximize their impact," said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation.

 

Jarrett emphasized the program's commitment to connecting emerging leaders, strengthening purposeful leadership, and helping participants bring meaningful change home.

For Houston—America's remarkably diverse, entrepreneurial, and community-minded metropolis—the opportunity couldn't be more timely.

Imagine community advocates from Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Sunnyside, Acres Homes, or Fort Bend County collaborating with visionary leaders across continents while developing solutions to challenges facing Greater Houston.

That's leadership without borders!

Eight Months That Could Change Everything

The Obama Leaders Program provides an eight-month virtual leadership experience featuring weekly learning sessions, professional coaching, expert guidance, and meaningful collaboration.

Its curriculum emphasizes values-based leadership, relationship building, and systemic change, equipping participants to turn promising ideas into sustainable community impact.

The 2026–2027 class welcomed 155 leaders representing 64 countries and territories. The next class promises another opportunity to connect local action with global perspectives.

Houston, Don't Miss Your Opportunity!

Eligible U.S. applicants must be ages 24–45 on September 1, 2027, demonstrate at least three years of relevant leadership experience, meet residency requirements, and commit to approximately 8–12 hours of monthly programming.

Mark these important deadlines:

Priority Deadline: Monday, November 23, 2026

Final Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026, at noon Central Time

Class Announcement: Expected summer 2027

Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed as space permits.

The Call to Action: Step Forward!

Houston Style Magazine encourages nonprofit innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, neighborhood advocates, civic organizers, and rising community leaders to seize this extraordinary opportunity.

Apply yourself. Nominate an outstanding changemaker by encouraging them to apply. Share this opportunity with someone whose dedication deserves a bigger platform.

Because tomorrow's extraordinary leaders are already doing remarkable things today.

And Houston, one of them could be YOU!

APPLY TODAY: https://www.obama.org/programs/leaders/

U.S. APPLICATION INFORMATION: https://www.obama.org/programs/leaders/usa/

ELIGIBILITY & FAQs: https://www.obama.org/programs/leaders/usa/faq/

ABOUT THE OBAMA FOUNDATION: https://www.obama.org/