Voyager Scholarship | Nationally Competitive Awards

The Voyager Scholarship is for rising juniors who plan to pursue careers in public service. The scholarship provides financial aid, travel stipends after graduation, and access to a network of mentors and leaders.

Also called the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, 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.”

Award Recipients

Award Recipients
	Carlee O'Neal 2024 Chemistry and community and leadership development major Carlee O'Neal is UK's first recipient of the Voyager Scholarship. The award provides up to $50,000 in financial aid, including a work-travel experience between recipients’ junior and senior years, with a $10,000 stipend and free housing. After graduation, recipients receive a $2,000 annual Airbnb travel credit for 10 years, totaling $20,000. After graduation, Carlee plans to be a high school chemistry teacher and is committed to making sure study of that scientific discipline is accessible to all students, especially those in underrepresented populations. “Students should not be limited academically because of factors that they cannot control — location, race, gender identity, income, et cetera,” she said. “I hope to help curious students like me get the education they deserve.” Read more on Carlee in UKNow.