Spelman College Student Awarded Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Students Making a Difference

The Two-Year Leadership Development Program Shapes Future Public Service Leaders to Create Meaningful Change

Spelman College student Journey Davis, C’2027, was recently selected as one of 99 students named to the fourth cohort of the 2025-2027 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholars program. Building on the momentum of the first three cohorts, the newest class of Voyagers carries forward The Obama Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower and connect people to change their world.  

Former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO Brian Chesky created the scholarship to, “support a generation of changemakers with a passion for public service,” former President Obama said. “Over the first three cohorts, we have seen remarkable drive, curiosity, and a generous spirit of teamwork, as students poured themselves into the work on their campuses and in their communities,” he continued. “Today, as we welcome our fourth cohort of Voyagers, I’m more certain than ever that our future is guided by bright and determined leaders.”

The Voyager Scholarship is supported by a $100 million personal contribution from Chesky to The Obama Foundation. The two-year program provides students who otherwise would not be able to pursue their public service passion with financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, an immersive work-travel experience and access to mentors and leaders from across The Obama Foundation network.

To be considered for the two-year program, Davis demonstrated a notable interest in public health and a dedication to addressing global challenges in communities around the world.

Being selected as an Obama-Chesky Voyager is the ultimate validation of my hard work and unwavering commitment to public service,” said Davis, an economics major and management and organization minor from Chicago. “This life-changing opportunity not only secures my educational journey at Spelman College, but it provides limitless resources to address social justice and economic inequalities. I am immensely grateful for this platform and am eager to use it to help others and truly pay forward the Obama Foundation's investment in me."

The scholarship extends beyond financial aid by offering every student $10,000 and free housing in Airbnb listings for their Summer Voyage. Designed by each student to support their unique goals and aspirations, the Summer Voyage is a work-travel experience taken between the Voyagers’ junior and senior year of college that offers enriching connections to new communities and cultures, grounded in students’ interest in public service.

Voyagers in the 2024-2026 cohort, including Spelman student Claire Harvey, C’2026, recently returned from their Summer Voyage, where they explored more than 61 countries and 24 U.S. states and territories.

The new class will have opportunities to connect with the growing Voyager network to exchange insight, refine projects and build relationships that endure. In addition to their independent travels and personalized career coaching, Voyagers meet virtually each month to share insights, discuss challenges, and foster relationships both at home and abroad.

Click here to learn more about the Voyager Scholarship.