Grace Enz ’26 receives Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service

Grace Enz ’26 has become the first Carl to receive the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, also called the Voyager Scholarship. The scholarship “supports students who have a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities, and can demonstrate an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.” The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, to help shape “young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve our biggest challenges.”

Enz credits her time as an Education Equity Fellow with the Carleton Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) for preparing her well for this role.

“Through the CCCE, I have had the opportunity to volunteer with Waano, a learning center in Faribault that offers homework assistance to Somali students,” Enz said. “The connections I’ve made with the students and the leadership skills I’ve gained through my position solidified my desire to pursue a career in public service working with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.”

The Voyager Scholarship is a great fit for Enz, as a two-year leadership development program that combines “barrier-reducing financial aid” with an “immersive work-travel experience and a robust network of leaders and mentors.”

The program identifies students in their third year of undergraduate studies who have a passion for public service. Two years of programming “will facilitate opportunities for students to refine their values-based leadership approach, build bridges across communities, and nurture their sense of curiosity as they deepen their commitment to pursuing public service careers.” This includes a Fall Summit, which Enz is excited to attend.

“I will learn from leaders and mentors in the public service field and build community with fellow Voyagers from around the country,” Enz said. “I appreciate the Voyager Scholarship’s emphasis on building bridges across differences, and I hope to gain insight on how to create longstanding positive change.”

Preparation for her future was at the center of Enz’s motivation to apply for the Voyager Scholarship. As part of her Summer Voyage — a self-designed, summer work-travel experience with a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing — she plans to intern with an international organization that provides support for refugees and asylum seekers.

“I hope to better understand the similarities and differences between U.S. approaches toward refugee resettlement and those of international organizations,” Enz said. “I believe that this experience will enhance my perspective on how to address global challenges related to migration. My goals for the future are to earn a master’s degree in refugee and forced migration studies and eventually work for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.”

Enz is especially thankful to Marynel Ryan Van Zee, director of student fellowships and lecturer in history at Carleton, who introduced her to the program and encouraged her to apply.

“I am extremely honored to have been selected as an Obama-Chesky Voyager,” Enz said. “I  appreciate the support and help from Marynel Ryan Van Zee in finding the right scholarship fit for my background, interests, and career goals. I am thankful to have the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills, which will be critical for my future career in public service.”

Students interested in applying for this scholarship in the future should contact Carleton’s Office of Student Fellowships for support and assistance.

Erica Helgerud ’20 is the news and social media manager for Carleton College.