Even before arriving at Temple, Bella Kwok was an advocate for ending sexual violence.

In high school, she founded an anti-sexual violence club, educating students and becoming a trusted confidante for survivors.

During her time at Temple, she has continued championing this cause. Kwok serves as state director of the Every Voice Coalition chapter in Pennsylvania, which is working to pass campuswide anti-sexual violence legislation at the state level. She is also vice president of Student Activists Against Sexual Assault, newsletter editor of Take Back the Night and a youth board member of SafeBAE—a national organization working to prevent sexual violence among middle and high school students.

Now, she’ll have the opportunity to expand her work and outreach thanks to the Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Kwok joins the latest cohort of recipients who aspire to effect positive change through serving their communities.

The Voyager Scholarship—created by the Obamas and co-founder and CEO of Airbnb Brian Chesky—is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program designed for third-year students pursuing public service careers. The 2024–2026 voyagers total 100 students from 44 states and territories, representing 88 colleges and universities across the U.S.

“This scholarship is life-changing for me and my family,” said Kwok, who's from Princeton, New Jersey. “It relieves a financial burden on my mom, ensuring that I’m able to finish my bachelor’s degree and that my younger brother is able to go to college.”

In addition to providing up to $50,000 in financial aid, the scholarship consists of a Summer Voyage and Fall Summit.

During the Summer Voyage, students receive a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to pursue a work-travel experience between their junior and senior year. They’re able to design their own experience to gain exposure to new communities as well as insight into their chosen field. As students plan their Summer Voyage, they participate in individual coaching and network connection sessions.

Although Kwok doesn’t yet know where she’ll travel, she’s interested in going to a country where she can partner with an organization to combat human trafficking. “After taking Tara Tripp’s Special Topics: Women Beyond Borders course I became passionate about this issue. I want to use this scholarship opportunity to help victims directly or conduct research.”

The Fall Summit gives students the opportunity during their junior year to attend an in-person event in which they participate in community-building with other Voyagers, grow their leadership skills and learn from others in public service.

Additionally, throughout the program students meet virtually every month to share insights, discuss challenges and foster relationships. They are also invited to an ongoing speaker series in which they’ll have access to a leadership network that will introduce new areas of service and innovations in their fields.

After graduation, Voyagers join the Obama Foundation’s global community, which offers resources and programming from the organization. They also receive a $2,000 Airbnb travel credit every year for 10 years, allowing them to continue expanding their horizons and making new connections.

“I want to get out of my comfort zone and expand on my experiences, such as through traveling and networking with other Voyagers and public service leaders,” said Kwok.

Once Kwok completes her studies at Temple, she plans to go to law school. She wants to concentrate in family law and represent sexual violence survivors as well as do pro bono work with legal reform and domestic violence shelters. “As a lawyer you have a lot more power when fighting for survivors.”

The Voyager Scholarship is a significant step in helping Kwok achieve her goals. “I’m so grateful, especially to my mom, brother and friends. I don’t think I could have gotten this far without them.”