An increasingly globalized world needs young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve humanity's biggest challenges. This year, Jason Vadnos, a third-year student in the Department of Human and Organizational Development (HOD) at Vanderbilt Peabody College was named a 2025-2027 recipient of the Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. The two-year scholarship program supports students starting in their junior year with the tools and resources they need to launch public service careers, including $50,000 of financial aid, a $10,000 stipend for an immersive summer learning experience and access to a variety of learning and mentorship opportunities.
What are your plans for the future, and how will this scholarship and your education in HOD at Peabody College support your goals?
Jason Vadnos: With our society facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to the rapid rise of AI, I believe it is more important than ever that young people become active changemakers in our democracy. That is why I hope to pursue a career advancing youth civic engagement and education, empowering the next generation to uplift their communities and create a positive social impact.
My time in HOD and Peabody College has allowed me to gain the research, communications and team-building abilities I need to succeed in this mission. In fact, it was my studies' emphasis on Dewey, Bronfenbrenner, and similar scholars that inspired this passion in the first place.
Now, as a Voyager, I will have the unique opportunity to supercharge my public service career through leadership development, hands-on community impact and connections with like-minded peers. I am incredibly excited for this next chapter of my journey!
Three College of Arts and Science students were also named Voyagers: Devin Crawford, Ian Matthews, and Anabel Wilson. Please read the College of Arts and Science release to learn more about them.
