Parents and guardians play an important role in helping students make the most of their Bezos Scholars experience—from the application process through the yearlong program. While the program is designed to foster student leadership and independence, family encouragement and practical support make a big difference.

During the application process:

• Encourage initiative. Remind your student that the application should reflect their voice, ideas, and leadership—offer support, not direction.
• Provide structure. Help your student set aside focused time to work on essays, their one-minute video, and educator nomination.
• Be a sounding board. Listen as they brainstorm essay ideas or talk through their motivation for applying.
• Support logistics. Help ensure they have reliable internet and a quiet space to record their video. Provide feedback on their essay responses and help them brainstorm who would make the best educator nominee.

Once selected:

• Encourage independence and balance. Give your Scholar space to lead their Community Change Project while helping them manage time alongside school and other commitments.
• Show interest. Ask about what they’re learning and how their project is progressing.
• Continue to support logistics. Assist with scheduling, transportation, or communication when needed—especially with their school and educator and around preparing for the trip to Aspen and navigating Scholar commitments, project planning meetings and events.
• Celebrate growth. Acknowledge the creativity, effort, and leadership they show throughout the year.

The best way to support your Scholar is to believe in their ability to lead, learn, and make a real impact in their community.

Community support is vital to the success and sustainability of Scholars’ work. Each Community Change Project is designed and led by students, but strong partnerships help those ideas grow and make a lasting impact.

During the early stages (application and planning):

• Encourage and connect. If you know a student applying, cheer them on and help them identify local needs or potential collaborators.
• Offer insight. Share community perspectives or data that could help a student understand the issue they hope to address.
• Be available. When Scholars begin planning, be open to serving as a sounding board or potential project partner.

Once projects are underway:

• Collaborate. Partner with Scholars by sharing expertise, resources, or networks that can strengthen their project.
• Serve as a fiscal sponsor. Support Scholars by managing grant funds or donations on behalf of their project, helping ensure financial accountability and smooth project implementation.
• Provide space or visibility. Offer meeting or event space or help promote the project within your community or organization.
• Give feedback and celebrate progress. Attend events, share input, and recognize the student’s leadership and impact.
• Champion sustainability. Help identify ways for the project to continue beyond the Scholar’s senior year—through volunteers, funding, or community ownership.

Community members play an essential role by believing in young leaders, offering guidance, and helping turn their ideas into action.