Former US President Barack Obama made the announcement in a video and an email last week.
Obama said his foundation building “a diverse set of community-minded rising stars – organizers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more – who are altering the civic engagement landscape.”
The two-year, non-residential fellowship will offer hands-on training, resources, and leadership development, the foundation said in an email, adding that fellows will also participate in four multi-day gatherings “where they will collaborate with each other, connect with potential partners, and collectively push their work forward.
Throughout the programme, each Fellow will pursue a personalised plan to leverage Fellowship resources to take their work to the next level.”
According to Obama, the inaugural class of 20 fellows will be integral to shaping the programme and the community of Fellows for future years. “For this first class, we’re seeking participants who are especially excited about helping us design, test, and refine the fellowship,” the foundation said.
“We are committed to expanding the circle of opportunity to include new and varied voices. Thus we have a strong preference for civic innovators who are not currently connected to the networks and resources they need to advance their work.
“If you’re not sure whether you fit this description, feel free to apply — and make sure to articulate how the resources of the Fellowship would uniquely impact your work,” the foundation added on its website, https://www.obama.org/fellowship/
and then