Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University student Faith Townsell has been named a recipient of the 2025-2027 Voyager Scholarship, also known as the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Townsell is majoring in political science at SLU.

The scholarship supports students who are committed to public service and have demonstrated experience serving their communities. It was established by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb. The program identifies undergraduate students in their second year who will begin their third year in the fall.

“As a political science major, this scholarship will open so many opportunities for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that years of work on a local, national, and international level have paid off in this way,” Townsell said.

Townsell was selected for her work in public service, including her time with the Mayor’s Office of Chicago. She focused on incorporating youth perspectives into policy decisions, increasing economic investment in low-income communities, and ensuring access to resources for young people and families regardless of income.

“I was selected because of my work in public service, including my time with the Mayor’s Office of Chicago, where I focused on incorporating youth voice in policy decisions, increasing economic investment in low-income communities, and ensuring young people and families had the resources they needed, regardless of economic income,” Townsell said.

The Voyager Scholarship provides financial aid to help reduce college debt. It also offers travel experiences intended to expand recipients’ connections to new communities and provides access to mentors and leaders from The Obama Foundation network.

“I plan to focus on fighting systemic inequalities in urban development in order to build safe, healthy, accessible, and walkable communities for all people,” Townsell said.

Earlier this year, Townsell was recognized at Saint Louis University’s third annual Black History Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony. She received an Emerging Leaders Award from SLU's Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship for her leadership abilities and contributions on campus.

The Voyager Scholarship is funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Brian Chesky to The Obama Foundation. The two-year program aims to support students who might not otherwise be able to pursue careers in public service by providing financial assistance as well as immersive work-travel experiences.

“Last summer, I was invited to meet President Obama, along with nine other community leaders, to discuss polarization among my generation, as well as the role of the Obama Presidential Center in bridging divides,” Townsell said. “I look forward to seeing the Presidential Center open this summer, and being able to say that I contributed to it in some way.”

This year’s cohort includes 100 students from 34 states and territories representing 71 colleges and universities. For the first time since its inception, students from Arkansas and Idaho were selected. More than half—56 percent—of those chosen are first-generation college students.