Every year, 17 exceptional high school juniors and an educator from each school are selected as Bezos Scholars. Scholars are chosen from across the U.S. and the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa. After spending a week immersed in learning at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Scholars return home and develop a community change project to make a positive difference in their communities. Once selected, Scholars join a global alumni network where they are offered opportunities to connect, collaborate, get inspired, and take action for the greater good.
The program kicks off with an all-expenses paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, June 27 – July 3, 2020. With ongoing support and $1,000 in funding, student and educator teams launch local community change projects that align their unique passion with a community need. Applications are due January 31, 2020.
Eligibility:
Be a junior during the 2019-20 academic year;
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have received DACA status;
Not attend one of the ineligible schools listed on the website;
Demonstrate leadership in their school and community;
Have taken and received scores for at least one of the following tests: PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACT Aspire;
Be enrolled in, or have taken, one or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes, International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, or college-level courses; and
Be available to participate fully and attend all trip dates for the Aspen Ideas Festival trip in Aspen, Colorado on June 27 – July 3, 2020.
**No exceptions for late arrival or early departure (barring an emergency) can be made.
To Apply: Create an account and complete the online application, including the following:
Part I: Your Story
Basic demographic information;
School details, coursework, cumulative GPA, standardized test scores;
Employment and/or extra-curricular activities; and
4 written essay responses.
Part II: Your Support
Principal: Your school principal must complete a short form;
Educator: You will need to identify, nominate, and partner with a trusted educator at your school; and
Recommenders: Identify one person to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Consider asking someone from your school, your faith community or place of worship, a coach, mentor, employer, or community member.
Recommendations cannot come from a family member, friend, the principal or vice principal of your school (depending on which one completes the Principal Support Form), or the nominated educator.
Questions? Contact Scholars@bezosfamilyfoundation.org and check out the FAQ.