Even when classes and jobs limited the time Sarah Guerrero Gorostieta ’28 could devote to reporting, she continued working toward a larger goal: becoming a journalist who strengthens the news industry, protects those who report the truth and supports the democracy their work serves.
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is now giving her more of the resources she needs to pursue freelance reporting and professional experience in Kalamazoo. Guerrero, an English major and political science minor from Bensenville, Illinois, is the first K student selected for the prestigious national scholarship. The program supports students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and seek to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
For Guerrero, that public service begins with journalism. A member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and The New York Times Corps, she has developed a strong interest in the role independent journalism plays in democratic societies. She hopes to strengthen protections for journalists and preserve freedom of the press in places such as Latin America, where independent media outlets face significant challenges.
Guerrero, a first-generation college student, said the scholarship is more than a dream come true.
“Attending college and pursuing my passion for literature, writing and politics was already incredibly fulfilling, but when I arrived at K, the peers and professors I surrounded myself with constantly pushed me to work harder, set more ambitious goals, and be curious and open-minded about what a career in public service could look like,” she said.” This scholarship will allow me to devote more energy to my studies during my junior and senior years, and it will help me confidently step into the news industry post-graduation.”
Guerrero joins the 2026–28 cohort of 100 Voyagers, representing 39 states and territories and 68 colleges and universities. The Voyagers will meet during a December summit at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where they will share their approaches to public service in fields including education, healthcare, government policy and technology.
“I actually plan to return home from my study abroad program early in order to attend the orientation,” she said. “I don’t want to miss out! I live relatively close to the Obama Presidential Center, and there was a lot of local excitement regarding its opening this summer. I’m honored that my first visit will be as a Voyager. More importantly, I’m very excited to meet the fellow changemakers in my cohort and in the Obama Leadership Network. Simply from reading other Voyagers’ bios and briefly chatting with them, I can tell they are passionate, innovative, brave and inspiring public servants. I can’t wait to network with them, learn from their individual journeys, and grow alongside one another over the next two years.”
As part of the two-year program, Guerrero will participate in a Summer Voyage, an immersive work-and-travel experience designed to help students explore public service careers. She will also receive support and mentorship through The Obama Foundation’s network of leaders, practitioners and changemakers.
“I hope that, in the future, I can confidently say that I did not take this opportunity for granted,” she said. “My goal is for this scholarship award to translate into tangible impact through my public service work supporting independent journalists and strengthening press freedom.”
“While the news industry is undoubtedly facing many challenges, that doesn’t mean my generation should give up on journalism,” Guerrero added. “Instead, it means we must pursue and defend it fearlessly. This scholarship has empowered me to do exactly that.”
The Voyager Scholarship was created by former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky to help shape young leaders. The founders share the belief that learning about new places and experiences generates understanding, empathy and cooperation, which equips the next generation to create meaningful change.
The two-year scholarship program is open to students entering their junior year of college at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. who have demonstrated financial need and are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, permanent residents or DACA recipients.
The scholarship supports Voyagers with:
- Up to $50,000 in financial aid over two years.
- A $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-and-travel experience between the junior and senior years of college.
- A $2,000 Airbnb travel credit every year for 10 years post-graduation.
- A fall summit designed to help Voyagers define and inspire their public service.
- A network of leaders that provides information about new areas of service and innovations in the scholars’ fields. After graduation, Voyagers join the Obama Foundation’s global community.