University of Guam civil engineering student Adrian Manalang has been selected as a 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service recipient, joining a national cohort of 100 college students preparing to pursue careers in public service.

Created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, the two-year scholarship provides recipients with up to $50,000 in financial aid for their junior and senior years, helping reduce college debt so they have greater flexibility to pursue careers in public service.

The opportunity extends well beyond financial support. Between their junior and senior years, Voyagers receive a $10,000 stipend and up to $4,200 in Airbnb housing to design their own Summer Voyage — a work-travel experience intended to expose them to new communities and provide experience in their chosen fields. Recipients are also invited to an annual Fall Summit and an ongoing speaker series connecting them with leaders across areas of public service. After graduation, Voyagers join The Obama Foundation's global community and gain access to its resources and programming.

For Manalang, the opportunity brings together his interests in engineering and community service to solve challenges facing Guam and other island communities.

“It honestly took about a week for it to fully sink in that I had been selected,” Manalang said. “Knowing that only 100 applicants nationwide are accepted made the moment even more meaningful. I felt incredibly grateful.”

The 2026-2028 Voyager cohort represents 39 states and territories and 68 colleges and universities. Sixty-one percent of the recipients are first-generation college students.

“Adrian’s selection for both the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship and the NSF Geo-Futures Program is a monumental achievement,” said Hiroshan Hettiarachchi, Dean of the University of Guam School of Engineering. “This is an exciting first for our relatively new School of Engineering and a testament to the thriving talent here at UOG. Adrian’s dedication to civil engineering and public service embodies the very best of our institution, and we are excited to see the impact he will undoubtedly make.”

Manalang developed his interest in public service through leadership and involvement in UOG student organizations, including the UOG Society for American Military Engineers Student Chapter, the Triton Advertising and Management Association, and the Triton Tennis Club. Through those experiences, he has seen how student-led community activities and fundraising can make a difference beyond campus.

His selection for the Voyager Scholarship follows another opportunity that will expand his academic and professional experience. Manalang was also accepted into the National Science Foundation Geo-Futures program, a conference-based mentorship program that helps students navigate scientific research conferences and connect with geoscientists.

Manalang sees Geo-Futures as an opportunity to strengthen his research experience and better understand the environmental challenges that influence the infrastructure that engineers design.

“Our island communities are on the front lines of climate change, making us vulnerable not only during typhoon season, but throughout the year due to challenges such as coastal erosion, flooding, and rising sea levels,” Manalang said. “I see both opportunities as connected to the future I envision for myself,” he added. “I hope to combine my engineering knowledge with research to work on resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation.”

Ultimately, Manalang hopes to apply his engineering education, research experience, and commitment to public service toward solutions that strengthen Guam and other island communities.

He credits his family and friends with encouraging him to pursue opportunities even when he was uncertain about applying.

“They have shared opportunities with me, helped me through challenges, and encouraged me to apply even when I doubted my chances,” Manalang said.

Manalang will connect with participants in the Geo-Futures program in December and meet fellow Voyager Scholarship recipients next summer, expanding the network of students, researchers, and public service leaders who will help shape his path after UOG.