A version of this story originally appeared on the MSU Distinguished Student Awards Office website.
James Madison College junior Anabelle Sanchez is one of two MSU students to be selected as Voyager Scholarship awardees in the program's 2026-2028 cohort.
Sanchez and fellow MSU student Grace Gramza have become the institution’s second and third Voyager Scholarship recipients, each securing up to $50,000 in financial aid and a 10-year travel stipend.
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is the brainchild of the Obamas and Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, to support students who demonstrate a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.
The scholarship provides college students with financial aid, meaningful travel experiences, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them. The 2026-2028 cohort represents 100 students from 39 states and territories, as well as 68 colleges and universities.
“I’m very pleased to congratulate Anabelle Sanchez and Grace Gramza on being named Michigan State’s second and third Voyager Scholarship recipients,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Service to others is a Spartan hallmark, and this honor reflects both a commitment to public service and the values that define the greatest leaders, including curiosity, compassion, and the will to make a positive difference. Anabelle and Grace exemplify our shared commitment to serve others and strengthen our communities.”
Awardees also receive a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their third and fourth year of college, gaining exposure to new communities and development in a chosen field.
“The Distinguished Student Awards Office is a proud supporter and resource for all MSU students pursuing selective, nationally competitive awards like the Voyager Scholarship,” said DSAO Director and Honors College Assistant Dean Kristin Janka. “Congratulations to Grace and Anabelle. Earning an award like this is a life-changing achievement.”
Anabelle Sanchez: Pursuing educational equity in K-12
“I am deeply honored to be selected as a 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager,” Sanchez said. “My passion for public service, specifically advancing educational equity for youth from underserved communities, has been strengthened by this opportunity to help close the persistent gaps within the K-12 education system.”
Sanchez is a third-year student majoring in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and public policy in the College of Social Science. She is a Social Science Scholar and a 2025-2026 Community Engagement Scholar. Sanchez has served as a survivor advocate and crisis intervention volunteer with the MSU Center for Survivors and a peer educator for the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department.
Professor John Waller, director of the Social Science Scholars program and Sanchez’s faculty mentor, said: “Anabelle is a model student who is thoroughly deserving of this accolade. In addition to excelling in academics, Anabelle could hardly be more engaged on and off campus.”
Beyond campus, Sanchez serves as one of 24 students on Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force to provide feedback on equitable voter engagement across Michigan. She is also a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Chicago Mayor’s Youth Commission alumna.
Throughout her work in public service, Sanchez has been deeply involved with organizations focused on youth advancement and community support, including the Lansing-based nonprofit Teaching & Mentoring Young Leaders and the Gage Park Latinx Council in Chicago.
“To all of these roles, Anabelle brings enthusiasm, genuine care, and professionalism. A more other-centered, conscientious, or hard-working student would be hard to find. Anabelle will carry out a national-level study of educational inequities as a Voyager before dedicating her professional life to improving access to quality schooling across America,” Waller said.
Sanchez is from Chicago, Illinois, where she attended Jones College Prep High School.
Read the full news release on the MSU Distinguished Student Awards Office website.