A leadership experience that lasts.
Lasting connections. Lasting skills. And lasting change that starts right now.
Change your community. Change you.
There’s no experience like the Bezos Scholars Program—a transformative, year-long, no-cost leadership development program that amplifies youth voice and action so young people with passion can start making a difference today. Each year, 17 exceptional juniors from the U.S. and Africa, along with educators from each of their schools, are selected as Bezos Scholars.
Since 2011, the Bezos Scholars Program has collaborated with the African Leadership Academy to select five students and one educator tasked as a team with planning the annual South African Ideas Festival.
Student Scholars engage in leadership development skill-building through project-based learning and receive free college advising. At the center of the program are Community Change Projects—fresh and sustainable approaches to meeting community needs, conceived and launched by Scholars with our support
The Bezos Scholarship Program is a program of the Bezos Family Foundation, an independent private foundation that champions the science of learning and its application.
I knew I wanted to help make the world better and Bezos Scholar Program made a pathway for my dreams to grow, it led me to understand more about the core of who I am and who I want to be.
Championing Changemakers
We created the Bezos Scholars Program because we believe all young people are exceptional and have the potential to be leaders.
A program for educators, too.
Every Scholar nominates an educator from their school to serve as a participating partner in the program. Our educator scholars say it’s a personal and professional experience unlike any other.
Why apply to be a Bezos Scholar?
To turn your passion into action.
Scholars develop and produce a project that makes a positive difference in their communities. We supply the resources and support, including $1,000 in funding, which projects can re-apply for annually.
To get free college advising.
Scholars get expert, one-on-one, holistic support during college application, financial aid and decision-making processes.
To meet some of the coolest people in the world.
Scholars are extraordinary people from all over the U.S. and Africa. Our alum network keeps Scholars connected with leadership development opportunities and with one another long after the program year ends.
How to apply
Applications to the Bezos Scholars Program closed on January 21, 2025. Applications will reopen in the fall of 2026. Learn more about the process, timeline, and commitment required for the program.
Program Information Sheet
Download our Program Info Sheet to learn more and help promote the program to your networks.