Occidental College Barack Obama Scholars Program
Direct application
Eligibility
About this scholarship
Occidental College sophomores apply in fall for the two-year Barack Obama Scholars Program, which begins the summer after selection. Benefits include a fully funded 10-week summer experiential learning program, a second funded summer for independent internship or research, faculty and advisory-council mentorship, and up to $10,000 in postgraduate funding for graduate study, early-career expenses, or a public-service project.
Submit activities lists, short answers on public-problem leadership, a one-page personal statement, unofficial transcript, and two letters of recommendation (at least one from Occidental faculty). Preference is given to first-generation college students, veterans, and community college transfer students.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Activities list demonstrating leadership and commitment to the public good
- Short-answer responses
- One-page personal statement
- Unofficial transcript
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from Occidental faculty
- Unofficial transcript
- 2 letters of recommendation, at least one from an Occidental faculty member
- A list of high school and college activities demonstrating your leadership and commitment to the public good
- A short answer about the public problem you most want to address in your future career, and why you are motivated to address it
- A short answer explaining a time when you identified a problem and stepped up as a leader to help solve it
- Applicants are selected for a two-year program beginning the summer after selection.