Leonardo Luna-Duran, a junior political science and management double major (pre-law), has been awarded a 2026-28 Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service.
The Voyager Scholarship was created by former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, to support U.S. college juniors and seniors pursuing public service leadership careers. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 in financial aid; a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to undertake a self-designed Summer Voyage; and access to mentoring networks, including an annual summit, speaker series and global alumni community.
Luna-Duran is Chief of Staff for the university's student government, the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN), a New Student Enrollment Orientation Leader, part of the Honors Program, and a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. As a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Luna-Duran served as the 2023-2024 National Vice President of Finance and the 2022-2023 Nebraska FCCLA State President, and he is currently a youth member on the National Board of Directors.
According to his profile on the scholarship website, Luna-Duran is passionate about advancing education policy to expand access to high-quality, career-connected learning, particularly for students in rural communities like his hometown of Neligh, Nebraska. His work in the Office of the Governor—assisting policy research and supporting development initiatives—led to a deeper understanding of how public policy can strengthen pathways from education to employment.
"To me, public service is about creating opportunities for others and making sure that a person’s background or where they come from does not limit what they are able to achieve," he wrote on LinkedIn. "Through this scholarship, I hope to continue learning more about education policy, expand access to high-quality and career-connected learning, and advocate for civil rights and greater opportunity."
Luke McDermott, a political science major who graduated in May, received the scholarship two years ago.
