Timeline
The Bezos Scholars Program inspires and challenges young people to act on their passions and collaborate to address community needs. The program begins with a week in Aspen, Colorado where Scholars participate in the Aspen Ideas Festival and leadership development curriculum. Upon returning home, Scholars are charged with creating a local community change project to raise awareness and mobilize action in their hometowns.
Before
Students who meet eligibility criteria are invited to apply. The application window is November 1, 2017 through February 9, 2018.
November 2017 — Application Opens
Who Participates?
- Eligible students who are juniors during the 2017-2018 academic year
- The principal of the student’s school
- An educator from the student’s school
- Two individuals who submit recommendations on behalf of the student applicant
November 15, 2017
- Attend an informational Q&A webinar hosted by 2015 Scholar Griffin Hamstead and BSP program staff. Ask questions and learn more about the Bezos Scholars Program and the application process.
December 20, 2017
- Attend an informational Q&A webinar hosted by 2016 Educator Scholar, Marcos Silva, and BSP program staff. Ask questions and learn more about the Bezos Scholars Program and the application process.
January 17, 2018
- Attend an informational Q&A webinar hosted by a 2017 Scholar and BSP program staff. Ask questions and learn more about the Bezos Scholars Program and the application process.
February 9, 2018 — Application Due
February - April 2018 — Scholar Selection
May 2018 — Scholars Announced
What’s Involved?
- Student applicant completes their portion of the application
- School principal, educator, and two individuals writing letters of recommendation complete their portions of the application
- Phone interviews with selected student finalists and nominated educators
- Selection of the 2018 Bezos Scholar cohort
I am grateful for the Bezos Scholars Program because it forced me to be an active and productive participant in my personal leadership journey. – Regina O'Neal, 2017 Educator
During
Students and educators receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival and join a team of African Scholars. Together, they will participate in seven days of leadership training and meet with some of the most provocative thinkers, and change-agents from around the world. This experience prepares them for the challenge ahead: creating sustainable community change projects, known as Local Ideas Festivals.
June 4 – 6, 2018 — Orientation Webinars
June 23 – 29, 2018 — Aspen Ideas Festival
Who Participates?
- 12 U.S. students and their accompanying educators
- 5 students and an educator from the African Leadership Academy
- School administration and the broader community, recruited by Scholars to support their Local Ideas Festival
What’s Involved?
- An all-expenses-paid week in Aspen, Colorado to participate in the program
- Teams submit their Local Ideas Festival proposal and final reports
- Participation in virtual webinars with notables, check-in calls throughout the year
- Teams host a Local Ideas Festival in their community
October 2018 — School Award Application Due
Spring 2019 — Local Ideas Festivals
I can honestly say I am a changed person because of this experience. I feel stronger and more confident in what I want to do. – Kaetlyn Rodriguez, 2017 Bezos Scholar
Beyond
The Bezos Scholars Program boasts thirteen years of incredible Scholar alumni! Our Scholars often go on to attend top colleges, lead movements in their universities and colleges, and continue in their role as change-agents well into careers. The Bezos Scholars Program offers opportunities such as internships with TED, the Aspen Institute, as well as regional gatherings of food and engaging conversation, webinars with notable speakers, and life-long support of Scholars in pursuit of their passions. Once a Scholar, always a Scholar!
Who Participates?
- Alumni
- Partners of the Bezos Scholars Program and Bezos Family Foundation
What’s Involved?
- Internships with organizations like TED and The Aspen Institute
- Networking opportunities with TED Fellows, TED Ed, and Aspen Challenge
- Alumni reunion gatherings!
While in Aspen, there were three concepts that were thrown around that have stayed with me until this day. I should lead creatively, collaborate radically, and embrace disruptive ideas. – Nicholas Okafor, 2011 Student Scholar