LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Carlee O’Neal, a junior at the University of Kentucky from West Liberty, Kentucky, has been selected for an Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service.

Also called a Voyager Scholarship, this funding provides up to $50,000 in financial support, including a “Summer Voyage” work travel experience between the recipients’ junior and senior years with a $10,000 stipend and free housing. After graduation, recipients receive an annual Airbnb travel credit of $2,000 for 10 years, for a total of $20,000.

O’Neal will attend a summit in December to meet other Voyager fellows and network with public service professionals.

The scholarship supports students “who have a passion for helping others, have experience serving their community, and can demonstrate a broad perspective on public service opportunities.”

O’Neal, the daughter of Danny and Bobbi O’Neal, is studying chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences and community and leadership development in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and is a student in the Lewis Honors College. She was a 2023 Chellgren Fellow. O’Neal expects to graduate in May 2026. She says she wants to be a high school chemistry teacher and is committed to making the study of this scientific discipline accessible to all students, especially those from underrepresented populations.

This desire arose from her own educational experience in West Liberty.

“I grew up in a small town in Appalachia. There were a lot of educational opportunities that weren’t available in my district,” O’Neal said. “The biggest difference that made me want to teach chemistry was that there was no chemistry teacher at my high school.”

During O’Neal’s senior year of high school, a dedicated teacher, Lew Acampora, offered to teach her the AP Chemistry curriculum remotely. Acampora is senior content director for science at AdvanceKentucky, an organization that advocates for equitable and successful access to Advanced Placement courses for all Kentucky students.

“It was Lew’s passion and commitment to expanding access to education that inspired in me a passion to do the same,” O’Neal said.

Her experience working with Acampora led O’Neal to apply for an internship at AdvanceKentucky.

“Not only did one of my current colleagues teach me AP Chemistry, but my high school was also part of AdvanceKentucky’s College Readiness Program. Through this partnership, I received incentives to take and pass AP courses and exams, as well as additional prep for the exams,” O’Neal said. “I knew how AdvanceKentucky positively impacted students because my participation positively impacted me.”

“Students should not be limited in their academic ability because of factors beyond their control – where they live, race, gender identity, income, etc.,” she added. “I hope to help curious students like me get the education they deserve.”

After completing her undergraduate degree, O’Neal plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching and, later in her career, a Master’s in Educational Policy.

Barack and Michelle Obama and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, created the Voyager Fellowship to develop future leaders. Although they come from different backgrounds, both the former president and Chesky believe that exposure to unfamiliar places and experiences creates understanding, empathy and cooperation, empowering the next generation to create meaningful change.

The two-year scholarship program is open to students who are entering their third year of study at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, have demonstrated financial need, and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

The class of 2024-2026 will consist of 100 students from 44 states and territories representing 88 colleges and universities across the United States.

About the UK Office of Nationally Competitive Awards

The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards assists current undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates in applying for external scholarships and fellowships funded by sources outside the university (such as government agencies or non-governmental foundations). These important awards honor outstanding students across the country. Interested students are encouraged to contact the office’s director, Pat Whitlow, well in advance of the application deadline.