Stonington College Student Earns Obama Foundation Scholarship

STONINGTON, CT — Stonington native Bart Hearn is a recipient of the Obama Foundation's recently launched Voyagers scholarship program. The program "provides a transformational combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and access to a robust network of leaders and mentors," according to a statement.

Hearn is entering his junior year at Brown University, where he studies public health policy. He aims to focus his career on global public health, specifically addressing health disparities. He was chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants for his potential and visions for our future.

Students selected for the scholarship will receive up to $50,000 in financial aid, a $10,000 stipend, and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience the summer following their junior year, and the opportunity to meet with former President Barack Obama and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky to talk about how to bridge divides and hear how they see the roles of empathy and understanding in leadership and public service.

The program is funded by a $100 million contribution by Chesky to the Obama Foundation. The Voyager Scholarship is a two-year program for students in their junior and senior years of college designed to support students in launching public service careers.

"Michelle and I can't wait to work with these talented young people over the next few years as they pursue careers in public service," Obama said in a statement. "Their dedication to public service and their determination to solve global challenges inspire hope for a brighter future. We know that this scholarship will not only change their lives, but the world."