Princeton Student Earns Prestigious Obama Foundation Scholarship

PRINCETON, NJ — A college student from Princeton has won a prestigious scholarship from the Obama Foundation.

Hiu Bella Kwok was named among 100 college juniors from across the country who earned a Voyager Scholarship.

The announcement was made Tuesday by former president Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, and Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky.

Kwok is currently attending Temple University. She is majoring in criminal justice with a minor in women’s studies.

And what does she plan to do with her scholarship?

“I plan to focus on sexual violence advocacy to ensure all survivors get equal access to support services and justice,” she wrote on the foundation website.

The Voyager Scholarship is a two-year, leadership development and scholarship program.

“Through a transformational combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors, the Voyager Scholarship is designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders and equip them with the tools and resources they need to launch their careers in public service,” according to a media statement.

The Voyager Scholarship awardees will each get the chance to meet with Obama and Chesky, as well as the following benefits:

• Up to $50,000 in financial aid

• Funding for a work-travel experience

• A 10-year travel stipend

• Mentorship through a network of leaders

The scholarship is funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Chesky to the Obama Foundation.

“When Michelle, Brian, and I launched the Voyager Scholarship in 2022, we were excited to see what young people with a passion for public service could do when given the right support,” Obama said.

“The past two cohorts have shown tremendous passion, curiosity, and collaboration – all while working hard across their college campuses,” the former president added. “Today, as we welcome our third cohort of Voyagers, I’m more hopeful than ever that our future is in good hands.”

The new cohort consists of 100 students from 44 states and territories, representing 88 colleges and universities across the nation.

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