The Obama Foundation has announced a volunteer program for the Obama Presidential Center, which is scheduled to open in Chicago on June 19. The initiative aims to recruit between 75 and 100 volunteers, referred to as “Ambassadors,” to assist with visitor engagement and general support across the campus.
According to program details, volunteers will help greet guests, provide directions, and share information about exhibits and facilities. The roles will support various features of the center, including museum spaces, community areas, and a public library branch. The positions are unpaid and are described as part of a broader effort to promote civic participation and community involvement.
The foundation has indicated that it is seeking individuals with strong communication and community engagement skills, particularly from Chicago’s South Side and nearby areas. In addition to the volunteer program, approximately 170 paid staff members have been hired, with training efforts underway ahead of the center’s opening.
The Obama Presidential Center is a large-scale project designed as a cultural and community space, featuring exhibition areas, gardens, and recreational facilities. Construction and development costs have increased over time, with the total budget now estimated to be significantly higher than earlier projections. Public infrastructure improvements associated with the project have also involved funding from local and state sources.