VCU sophomore wins Voyager Scholarship for Public Service from Obama Foundation

By William Lineberry
Honors College

A Virginia Commonwealth University sophomore has been selected as a recipient of the 2026-28 Voyager Scholarship, a national award for students who embrace an expansive view of what is possible through public service.

Christian Washington, a VCU Honors College sophomore and business management major in the School of Business, is among 100 honorees in the new cycle of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. Administered by the Obama Foundation, the two-year leadership development and scholarship program was created by Barack and Michelle Obama and Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky.

Washington is the founder of Cookies & Crust, an e-commerce food brand that hosts workshops on entrepreneurship and financial literacy for students in the Richmond area. The Voyager Scholarship program said its award will bolster his support for "under-resourced communities by helping young people understand that entrepreneurship, ownership and financial literacy are attainable pathways to wealth."

Washington was humbled and excited by the Obama Foundation's "investment in my future," he said. "I've been fortunate to have people throughout my life who believed in my potential and encouraged me to dream bigger, and this opportunity is a reminder of just how meaningful that support can be."

Throughout the two-year Voyager program, Washington will receive financial aid, immersive travel experiences, a network of mentors and leaders, and more.

"What excites me most about the Voyager Scholarship is the opportunity to explore the world, experience new cultures and learn directly from communities beyond my own," Washington said. "I've always believed that some of the most valuable lessons come from stepping outside of what you know, listening to others and being willing to see the world differently."

Most importantly, the scholarship will help him support Richmond-area youths.

"I hope to bring the relationships, perspectives and lessons I gain back to Richmond and build upon the work I've been doing to expand opportunities for young people," Washington said.

Washington worked with the VCU National Scholarship Office throughout his application process for the Voyager Scholarship. The NSO assists students and alums with applying for prestigious national and international scholarships, and appointments can be made through its website.