The Obama Foundation is Looking For Its First Class of Fellows—Here's What That Means

The Obama Foundation tweeted Thursday that they’re looking for the first class of Obama Fellows to work with the Foundation.

What exactly is a Fellow, anyway? The Foundation’s website describes the job descriptions of the future Fellows as being model citizens and displaying to people the best ways to be an active and positive force for change in their communities. This first class of Fellows is especially important because they’ll be putting together the framework for how the program will run in future years. They won’t all be living in one place for the duration of the two-year, non-residential program, but they will regularly connect for gatherings that span multiple days and will push them forward with training in leadership and community engagement.

The Obama Foundation is looking for “a diverse set of community-minded rising stars – organizers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more.” There will be 20 Fellows in this first class. It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from as much as it matters what you’re doing in your current situation.

"We are committed to expanding the circle of opportunity to include new and varied voices," the Foundation wrote on their website. "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."

At the very top of the foundation's wish-list, however, is the requirement that all Fellows will be “good humans.” It seems like a simple request, but it’s really the starting point for all the other aspects they will look for in all applicants.

Do you want to be part of this amazing opportunity, or know someone who fits those descriptions perfectly? You can apply here!