There’s no experience like the Bezos Scholars Program—a transformative, year-long, no-cost leadership development program that amplifies youth voice, collaboration and action so young people with passion can start making a difference today. Each year, exceptional juniors, along with educators from each of their schools, are selected as Bezos Scholars. Student scholars receive leadership training from noted experts along with free college advising. At the center of the program are community change projects—fresh, achievable and sustainable approaches to solving urgent problems, conceived and launched by Scholars with our support.
Program Benefits
- Personal coaching and support from Bezos Scholar staff throughout the leadership journey
- Access to free, personalized college advising, including assistance with school selection, essay writing, and financial aid applications
- $1,000 in financial support to launch and sustain Community Change Projects, with eligibility for annual re-application for funding
Eligibility Criteria
- Attend an eligible public high school in the U.S. with a free and reduced lunch rate of 30% or higher
- Be a junior at the time of application
- Enrolled in or have taken at least one advanced course (AP, IB, or college-level)
- Be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, DACA recipient, or dependent of an H-1B visa holder
- Available to participate fully in the year-long program and attend the Aspen Ideas Festival trip in Aspen, Colorado
- Nominate an educator from their school to serve as a mentor and participate in the program
Application Process
- Confirm eligibility based on the criteria outlined above.
- Complete the online application, providing personal information and responses to essay questions.
- Nominate an educator from your school to serve as your mentor throughout the program.
- Submit the application by the deadline: January 21.
- Await notification of your application status, with final selections made by April.
Our volunteer Selection Committee members are leaders in the fields of education, youth leadership and development, science and the arts. Some members are former Bezos Scholars. All committee members share a strong commitment to supporting and championing young leaders.