Obama Foundation seeks young problem-solvers
Hartford picked as one of two cities for youth program
HARTFORD — The Obama Foundation has selected Hartford as one of two cities for the second year of its Community Leadership Corps, a six-month program for young people who want to work to fix problems in their communities.
Hartford was picked along with former President Barack Obama’s hometown of Chicago.
“Hartford is fortunate to have so many creative, engaged young people who care deeply about our city,” Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said. “The Obama Foundation’s focus on investing in and supporting diverse young leaders is a perfect fit for a city like Hartford, and we are looking forward to working with them in the months ahead.”
The program is open to 100 people ages 18-25 in each city. Applications will be accepted through March 24 at www.obama.org/clc. Residents of Hartford or the surrounding area can apply.
The positions are unpaid, but corps members will have transportation and some meals paid for. Mandatory in-person training for the Hartford participants will be held June 7-9, Aug. 16-18 and Nov. 8-10.
The Obama Foundation said it’s looking for four main qualities in applicants: leadership potential, community invest-
ment, adaptability and alignment with Obama Foundation values including teamwork, integrity, inclusivity and imagination.
“We know our young people are eager to make a difference in their communities, so the Community Leadership Corps aims to give them skills to take their passion and put it into action,” said David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “Building on the successes of last year’s program, we’re excited to introduce the Community Leadership Corps to Hartford — as well as bring together a new crop of leaders in Chicago. In doing so, we’ll help young leaders acquire the skills they need to tackle the issues in their communities.”
The program begins in June with an introductory kickoff, after which members will select projects in their communities. That’s followed by a boot camp in August, where corps members will receive additional training and feedback on their plans, and capstones in October and November.
The Chicago-based Obama Foundation was founded in 2014. Its mission is to “inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.”