Community Change Projects

Scholars turn ideas into real projects that make a difference—in their schools, communities, and beyond. Each project starts with an issue that matters to them and grows into real change.

What is a Community Change Project?

Scholars engage community members to create a project that makes a meaningful difference for a relevant need. Over the course of the program year, they’ll engage in sessions, workshops, activities and assignments that are designed to build and strengthen their leadership skills.

Scholars are supported along the way through coaching from educators and mentors, training alongside peers, and $1,000 in seed funding for their project.

Many projects inspire new student leaders who keep the work going long after the Scholar year ends.

Finding Your Big Idea

At the start, Scholars wrestle with big questions:

What am I passionate about?
Who am I in relation to my community?
What needs do I see around me?
What would lasting change look like?

Through this discovery process, Scholars engage with community members to identify the most pressing needs and the most promising solutions.

Issues Scholars Take On

Through their Community Change Projects, Scholars have tackled big issues such as:

mental health awareness
civic engagement
STEM education
environmental issues
and more!

2025 Bezos Scholar Community Change Projects

Nine months of teamwork, grit, and creativity turned into real impact across diverse issues. Explore the 13 youth-led Community Change Projects from the 2025 Cohort.

Read the announcement post

ASPIRE Program (Achieving Success through Purpose, Inclusion, Respect, and Engagement)

Launched in 2025 by Lindsey LeTran, Ashley Fisher

Mission: To help students develop leadership and problem-solving skills through activities that deepen middle school engagement and prepare them for high school, making it a friendly, inclusive environment for all.

Calle a Casa

Launched in 2025 by Isabella Villalobos, Javier Rubio

Mission: To increase permanent adoptions from El Paso animal shelters by mobilizing volunteers and resources that educate the public about the behavioral and emotional needs shelter animals have.

Caver Ties

Launched in 2025 by Liya Getahun, Jennifer Pickering

Mission: High school students who are first in their families to go to college are equipped with the confidence and connections they need to successfully navigate the college application process through supportive mentoring from first-generation college students.

Comfort Kitchen

Launched in 2025 by Parsmi Rajput, Shelley Hawkins

Mission: We cultivate access to nutritious food on campus for economically disadvantaged high school students through an on-site pantry that provides free, reliable meals in a way that honors students’ dignity and choice.

HERO MD

Launched in 2025 by Turner Daudert, Priscilla A. Grijalva

Mission: To educate young people about healthcare careers by raising awareness through community events and social media engagement.

LINK (Learning, Innovation, Networking & Knowledge)

Launched in 2025 by Euphoria White, Autumn Rose Dowdy

Mission: To create inclusive STEM learning opportunities for high school students through mentoring and activities that encourage them to explore new ideas, build confidence, and gain authentic recognition for their work.

ROOTSS (Reaching Out to Our Talented Scholars in STEM)

Launched in 2025 by Sally Awuku, Felicia Bifulco

Mission: Our mission is to provide a student-led mentorship program that increases Black student enrollment in Advanced Placement, College Now, and Ed Equity STEM courses.

She Leads

Launched in 2025 by Mariam Kandel, Tonya Swan

Mission: To develop the next generation of Muslim women by connecting girls with strong role models and opportunities to increase their leadership skills.

South African Ideas Festival – Leading for Lasting Change

Launched in 2025 by Lubanzi Mhlonishwa Tsabedze, Anotidaishe Chinyadza, Abigail Maina, Elvis Chacha, Marwa Kriraa, Catherine Delight

Mission: To train young changemakers to create a positive impact in their communities through entrepreneurial skills and mentorship so they can lead projects that transform their communities.

SPARK (Sensory Practices for Advancing Reasoning in Kids)

Launched in 2025 by Nathan Kwok, JulieAnne Halsey

Mission: We equip elementary schools with sensory-based math resources and connect teachers with training opportunities so that classrooms and learning are more accessible for neurodivergent students.

Team Align

Launched in 2025 by Jeslyn Kamga, Natalie St. Fleur

Mission: To encourage students to fulfill their purpose by building connections, introducing them to career and extracurricular opportunities, and boosting confidence in their potential.

Tomball Stride

Launched in 2025 by Shaurya Kante, Tiffany Clyde

Mission: We promote safe, accessible walkability for the Tomball High School community through student-led public education and local advocacy.

VOLAR (Voces, Orgullo, Lengua, Amor, Raíces)

Launched in 2025 by Vivian Reyes-Martinez, Emily Thompson

Mission: To cultivate belonging and meaningful participation by uniting Hispanic families and educators through trust-building, celebrating cultural identities, and providing bilingual resources that promote student success.

2025 Continuing Projects

This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the continuation of 22 Community Change Projects, each founded by previous Bezos Scholars. These projects represent innovative and creative solutions to community needs, and their continued growth highlights the dedication and impact of the student leaders who move them forward.

Read the announcement post