Whitehall alum Allison Tate, a current University of Michigan junior, was announced last week as a recipient of the 2025-27 Obama-Chesky Voyager scholarship, which focuses on public service. The award is presented by the Obama Foundation and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky and is in its fourth year of existence.
Tate, who like her dad Brad and brother Brady received the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete award during her high school career, is the only UM student among this year's honoree class. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public policy with minors in international security, norms and cooperation, and community action and social change.
"I hope my selection serves as a reminder to young students in rural communities that they, too, can achieve anything they aspire to," Tate said in a release announcing her award. "Over the next two years, I look forward to exploring post-conflict reconstruction policy, transitional justice, and peace conciliation as I prepare for a career in international public service."
The Voyager Scholarship was created by President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Chesky in hopes of encouraging those interested in public service careers to familiarize themselves with new places and experiences to generate more understanding of those from different backgrounds. Recipients receive up to a total of $50,000 in financial aid for their junior and senior years and a $10,000 stipend and Airbnb travel credits to pursue a work-travel experience of their own design the summer after their junior years.
Recipients are also invited to a fall summit and an ongoing speaker series to network and inspire their public service careers.
The 2025-27 recipients include 100 students representing 34 states and territories and 71 colleges and univerities.
