PCHS graduate chosen for first cohort of Obama Voyager Scholarship recipients

Books Photo: Syd Wachs

HEBER CITY, Utah — Mary Hurner, Heber City native and Park City High School graduate, was announced as part of the first cohort of recipients of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, also called the Voyager Scholarship. Hurner is one of only 100 students announced as recipients of the scholarship.

The Voyager Scholarship provides students interested in public service a path towards expanding their world understanding and helping with the burden of college debt. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must demonstrate a financial need, be U.S. citizens, be permanent residents, or be DACA recipients. Candidates must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and show a commitment to public service.

While in school, Hurner will receive up to $25,000 per year in financial aid for her junior and senior years. During the summer heading into her senior year, she will receive a summer voyage stipend of $10,000 and free Airbnb housing. This is meant to allow students to pursue work or travel opportunities. Hurner will also receive an invitation to a Fall Summit where she will meet former President Barack Obama and Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, and learn from guest speakers on various approaches to service. She will also have the opportunity to build relationships with other Voyagers.

The scholarship continues after graduation by providing a ten-year travel stipend of $2,000 per year. Voyager recipients will also join the Obama Foundations’ global community, allowing them to receive Foundation resources and programming.

Hurner is majoring in Public Policy at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and plans to graduate in 2024. Hurner’s future goals are to learn more about refugee issues worldwide and the private and governmental organizations that work to help refugees and provide aid.