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A Leadership Experience That Lasts
Build skills, spark change, and join a lifelong community of leaders.
Championing Changemakers
The Bezos Scholars Program engages exceptional high school students and educators in a yearlong leadership development program that amplifies youth voice and action.
Being a Bezos Scholar was a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience! I’m grateful to be part of such a welcoming and inclusive community. I learned so much about myself that I will use throughout college and in my future career.
Nhaomi Lartey
2022 Scholar
Why Apply to be a Bezos Scholar?
To make a difference in your community
Scholars develop and produce a project that makes a positive difference in their communities.
To get real-world leadership
training
Scholars gain leadership skills—from communication and collaboration to problem-solving and project design—that can scale in their communities.
To connect with global youth changemakers
Scholars become connected to a group of extraordinary, passionate peers. Our alum network of more than 300 students and 200 educators fosters lasting connections.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, a student must be a high school junior at an eligible U.S. public high school that meets one or more of the following criteria:
- At least 30% of the school’s students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
- The school is designated as a Title I school.
- The state has identified the school as economically underserved; it meets the threshold for a state or district “high need” or meets the equity index used to allocate additional funding.
Turning Passion Into Action
We created the Bezos Scholars Program because we believe all young people are exceptional and have the potential to be leaders.
For Educators who Shape Leaders
Every Scholar nominates an educator from their school to serve as a partner for the yearlong program. It’s a unique opportunity to work closely with a motivated student leader over the course of an academic year.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 cohort closed January 15, 2026. Applications reopen annually in November.
A Lasting Impact
Learn about the outcomes being a Bezos Scholar has on students, educators, and communities.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 cohort closed January 15, 2026. Applications reopen annually in November.
A Lasting Impact
Learn about the outcomes being a Bezos Scholar has on students, educators, and communities.