LMU junior Simret Habte is among the first recipients of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, also known as the Voyager Scholarship, which provides support for future leaders with a passion for building community and helping others.
The $100 million initiative was created by the Obama Foundation and supported by Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky. Awards were given to 100 rising college juniors who plan to pursue careers in public service. They include up to $50,000 in financial aid, a funded summer voyage to pursue a work-travel experience between junior and senior year, a fall convening where they will meet with former President Obama and Chesky to discuss the role of empathy and understanding in leadership and public service, and access to a network of leaders.
After graduation, Airbnb will provide awardees with a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years, for a total of $20,000.
“The stress of being a student and trying to figure out how to pay for being a student has been a huge burden, and having the opportunity to not have to worry about that anymore is a blessing,” Habte said. “Also, I don’t think there would have been any other way for me to have such an extensive trip in a different country that wouldn’t have set me back a lot financially.”
A sociology major and Spanish minor, Habte is considering a summer voyage opportunity in Mexico City to study the way climate change is impacting the city and its residents. Her future aspirations focus on a career in research, and her application for the Voyager Scholarship centered around community-based responses to climate change’s impact on Black and brown communities.
“The Office of National and International Fellowships helps our students explore opportunities like Voyager as well as provides application guidance and support,” said Cassidy Alvarado, director of National and International Fellowships. “The Voyager Scholarship invests in future public service leaders so it’s no surprise that LMU students were drawn to this incredible award. However, it is because of LMU’s commitment to service and the promotion of justice that our students, like Ms. Habte, are poised for success in such a selective competition.”
The Office of National and International Fellowships (ONIF) assists LMU students and alumni interested in pursuing external fellowships that support their academic and career goals. While the Voyager Scholarship does not require campus sponsorship, ONIF can help familiarize students with the award, application process, and best practices for constructing competitive applications.
To learn more about ONIF and the fellowships and opportunities available to LMU students, visit the website or attend an upcoming event.