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A Small but Mighty Team
The Bezos Scholars Program team is made of passionate professionals dedicated to helping every Scholar thrive. They brings deep experience in youth and program development, social-emotional learning, college access, and civic engagement. Two core staff members guide Scholars throughout their leadership journey and additional Foundation staff support while in Aspen and at key times during the Scholar project development.
Alum Council
The Bezos Scholars Alum Council represents the collective energy, insight, and ongoing leadership of our 500+ program alums worldwide. Established in 2025, the Council helps strengthen the Scholar community by advising on program direction, building opportunities for connection, and championing the spirit of lifelong leadership that defines the Bezos Scholars experience.
2025 Alum Council
- Valerie Shen
Chair (2009 Cohort) - Meghan Hussey Lim
Professional Development Chair (2007 Cohort) - Imane Bounana
Events Chair (2014 Cohort)
- Taiwo Odunowo
Current Cohort Chair (2017 Cohort) - Saifeddine Lahmar
Cohort Ambassador Co-Chair (2021 Cohort) - Candace Joyner
Cohort Ambassador Co-Chair (2012 Cohort)
Meet our Partners
The Bezos Scholars Program is stronger thanks in part to our longstanding collaboration with partner organizations, including:
African Leadership Academy (ALA)
Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, ALA is an international boarding school that draws students from across the continent with a mission to transform Africa by developing a powerful network of young leaders. Each year, four students and an educator are selected from the Academy as Bezos Scholars.
Aspen Institute
Our partner since we launched the program in 2005, the Aspen Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership and action to help solve the greatest challenges of our time.
Aspen Challenge
Created in partnership with the Aspen Institute, the Aspen Challenge is a companion program to the Bezos Scholars Program and provides inspiration, tools, and a platform for young people to design solutions to some of the most critical problems humanity faces
The Center for Expanding Leadership & Opportunity (CELO)
CELO is a nonprofit committed to bridging the gap between academia and practice to accelerate youth development. The Bezos Scholars Program has partnered with them since 2019 for program impact measurement and evaluation.
Applications Are Now Closed
Applications for the 2026 Bezos Scholars Program are now closed. Meet the 2026 Scholars and explore the young leaders and educators driving change in their communities.