By Scout Nelson
A University of Nebraska student Leonardo Luna-Duran has been selected as a 2026-28 recipient of the prestigious Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service.
The scholarship recognizes college students who demonstrate strong leadership skills, academic achievement, and a commitment to serving their communities.
The scholarship was established by former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported students from across the United States and its territories. The 2026-28 cohort includes 100 rising college juniors, making it the fifth group of Voyager Scholars selected through the national program.
The Voyager Scholarship provides extensive support to help students continue their education and leadership development. Recipients can receive up to $50,000 in financial aid during their junior and senior years of college.
Students may receive up to $25,000 each year, helping reduce educational expenses while allowing them to focus on learning and community service.
In addition to financial support, the scholarship offers a unique learning experience called the Summer Voyage. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend along with free Airbnb housing to design and complete a personal learning journey between their junior and senior years.
This opportunity allows students to travel, explore important issues, meet new people, and gain practical knowledge outside the classroom.
The benefits continue after graduation. Scholars receive a $20,000 travel benefit, including $2,000 in Airbnb travel credit each year for 10 years. Participants also attend the Voyager Scholarship Fall Summit, where they connect with fellow scholars, develop leadership skills, and learn from experienced public service leaders.
The Nebraska student selected for the program is a first-generation college student pursuing studies in political science and management while working toward a certificate in public policy analysis.
Growing up in a rural community helped shape his interest in education, leadership, and service. His experiences demonstrate how local involvement can inspire future leaders to make a broader impact.
Throughout his education journey, he actively participates in organizations that promote leadership and community engagement. Programs such as FFA and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America help him strengthen leadership skills and better understand the value of education. Serving as both a state and national officer provides opportunities to work with students from different backgrounds and gain a wider perspective on educational success.
These experiences help build his interest in career-connected learning and educational opportunities. He believes students benefit when schools provide clear pathways to future careers. By helping young people connect education with employment opportunities, communities can support long-term success and economic growth.
As part of his Summer Voyage project, he plans to study how education systems prepare students for future careers in different regions and countries. His journey will begin in the northeastern United States, where he will explore career readiness programs and examine how regional education policies influence student success.
The project will also take him beyond the United States. He plans to visit Europe and South America to compare education systems and public policies. By studying different methods and approaches, he hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how educational systems support career preparation and opportunity. The knowledge gained from these experiences may help inform future public policy decisions and educational improvements.
Speaking about receiving the scholarship, Luna-Duran said, "I truly believe that my college experience has prepared me for this extraordinary honor by giving me the skills and experiences necessary to succeed. I would credit much of that to ASUN for teaching me the importance of listening, paying attention to needs and finding ways to turn concerns into meaningful action. These lessons have shaped the way I approach public service and will guide me throughout this voyage."
Outside the university, he also completes public service work through an internship in the Nebraska Governor's Office. This experience helps him understand how state government responds to community needs and how public policies affect residents across the state. Working with government leaders strengthens his interest in serving others through policy and public leadership.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Nebraska, Education