Ellie Park, Multimedia Managing Editor

Two Yale College juniors — Ethan Chiu ’26 and August Rios ’26 — are among the 100 recipients of the 2024-2026 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. 

The scholarship, created by former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, aims to assist public service leaders by giving students who show dedication to service access to global learning opportunities and financial support.

“As a Voyager Scholar, I hope to explore solutions to the affordable housing crisis,” Rios told the News. “Having personally experienced its impacts growing up, I am eager to broaden my understanding of housing-related interventions.”

Rios said that he has worked extensively with organizations working on landlord-tenant mediation and fair housing, which offered him insights into the issue and further shaped his commitment.

Chiu, who is passionate about the intersection of national security and social justice, told the News that he hopes to use the scholarship to advance his work in ensuring that all Americans can thrive amidst rapid technological advancements.

“The application process provided an incredible opportunity to reflect on my public service journey so far and what I envision for my future,” Chiu said.

The application process for the scholarship, which opened in February and closed in March 2024, featured many components. According to Rios, applicants were evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, public service experience and extracurricular involvement. They were also asked to describe their vision for public service and how they would use the scholarship’s support to realize that vision.

In an email to the News, Chiu added that he was humbled by the recognition and grateful to the mentors who had guided him through the process. 

Other than financial aid, the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship provides scholars with a “Summer Voyage” experience, where they can engage with public service initiatives globally. The scholarship encourages students to explore new perspectives by traveling and immersing themselves in different cultures.

“The Obamas and Chesky are passionate about the transformative effect that exposure to diverse cultures and experiences can have on young people,” the scholarship’s announcement reads. “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.”

This newest group of scholars comes from 35 states and territories and from 60 colleges and universities across the U.S.