Prabha Upreti
2025-2026 University of Chicago Scholar
Nepal
Co-founder, Aakar Nepal
Building a pipeline of innovative local leaders and solutions that foster sustainable, inclusive growth in underserved communities
Prabha Upreti is the founder of Aakar Nepal, an organization that empowers under-resourced high school students with crucial leadership skills and supportive networks for personal growth, economic mobility, and social progress. Aakar Nepal's three-month fellowship program offers hands-on community projects, workshops on leadership and project management, and one-on-one mentorship, fostering holistic development to address the critical gaps in career readiness and entrepreneurial skills needed for students in Nepal. By engaging young people as they start to shape their identities and participate in civic life, Aakar helps create the mindsets and skills needed for long-term grassroots led change. To date, they have graduated 70 fellows, whose projects have impacted over 3,000 people in their communities. Through the Scholars program, Prabha plans to scale Aakar Nepal's impact by formalizing partnerships with key stakeholders, learning from global initiatives, and refining her organization's approach through insights from civic leaders. Her long-term goal is to embed Aakar's model within broader talent development and innovation initiatives, creating sustainable and scalable solutions driving social change and community resilience in Nepal.
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More About the Scholars Program
More About the Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.
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