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 opens in October and closes in February.
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
February 9, 2018 — Application Due
February – April 2018 — Scholar Selection
May 2018 — Scholars Announced
What’s Involved?
- Completing the student portion of the application
- School principal, an educator, and two individuals writing letters of recommendation must complete their portion of the application
- Phone interviews with selected student finalists and nominated educators
- Selection of the next Bezos Scholars
The Bezos Scholars Program rejuvenated me. It has reminded me that I must push past my perceived limits. I want to show people all I am capable of…and encourage them to do the same. – Niquan Dawson, 2015 Student Scholar
During
Students and their accompanying educators travel all-expenses-paid to Aspen, Colorado, to take part in the Aspen Ideas Festival and interactive leadership development curriculum. Scholars are immersed in plenaries, panel discussions, debates, and Scholars-only roundtables with some of the greatest minds of our time. 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 trainings throughout the year
- Teams host a Local Ideas Festival in their community
October 2017 — School Award Application Due
Spring 2018 — Local Ideas Festivals
What I found to be profound about the experience is not the promise of inspiration, but the magnitude and the depth one feels when the spark is lit. – Christopher Maly, 2015 Educator Scholar
Beyond
As a Bezos Scholar, you join an ever-expanding community. Scholars enjoy continued opportunities for internships, engagement with thought-leaders, professional development, and the occasional reunion party!
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