Announcement
Andres Vazquez, a junior majoring in Urban Studies and Planning, is a recipient of the prestigious Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service.
The Voyager Scholarship, created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s Co-Founder and CEO, aims to cultivate future leaders by exposing them to new places and experiences. This program underscores the shared belief of the Obamas and Chesky that these experiences cultivate empathy, understanding, and collaboration, empowering the next generation to bring about significant and purposeful change.
Vazquez joins the 2023-2025 cohort of 100 Voyagers, representing 33 states and territories, and 74 higher education institutions. The scholarship offers recipients financial support of up to $25,000 annually as “last dollar” aid during their junior and senior years, easing the burden of college debt to encourage careers in public service. The program also offers a Summer Voyage, granting a $10,000 stipend alongside free Airbnb housing for a work-travel experience between junior and senior years. Additionally, recipients are invited to an annual summit that helps them define their paths to public service, and connected to a vast network of leaders in their fields through the program’s speaker series.
“Growing up on the southeast side of Chicago, I have witnessed the impacts of disinvestment, environmental degradation, and lack of urban green spaces,” wrote Vazquez in a post. “The Voyager Scholarship will allow me to explore the possibilities of equitable placemaking within future urban developments.”
Upon graduation, scholars join the Obama Foundation’s global community, with access to Foundation resources and programming.
To learn more about the Voyager Scholarship visit: www.obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship.