Meet the 2026 Bezos Scholars!
Introducing 13 student/educator teams from across the U.S. and Africa, united by creativity, courage, and purpose to launch new Community Change Projects in 2026.
The Bezos Scholars Program (BSP) is proud to announce its 2026 cohort — 13 incredible teams of rising high school seniors and educators from across the U.S. and Africa, ready to drive change in their communities.
Since 2005, the Bezos Family Foundation has championed young leaders through BSP, providing a launchpad for them to create unique approaches to meet urgent community needs through creativity, collaboration, and engagement. This year’s Scholars were selected from a highly competitive pool. They attend public schools or the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, a valued program partner since 2011. They are chosen for their commitment to education, leadership, and passion for community impact.
The Scholar journey begins with virtual community building and purpose discovery, culminating in an all-expenses-paid experience at the Aspen Ideas Festival. There, Scholars dive into leadership workshops, connect with world-renowned changemakers, and prepare to launch sustainable Community Change Projects once they return home.
“This cohort represents the kind of leadership our communities need right now—thoughtful, courageous, and deeply rooted in purpose,” said Molly Pencke, Senior Program Manager at the Bezos Family Foundation. “We’re excited to walk alongside these students and educators as they learn from one another, transform bold ideas into action, and lead change that reflects the realities and strengths of their communities.”
Scholars gain over 40 hours of leadership development, $1,000 in seed funding (with opportunities for renewal), free personalized college advising, and lifelong access to the vibrant Scholar Alum Network.
Their project ideas span critical issues like centering youth voice and action, expanding access to education, building inclusive and supportive communities and health, wellness and mental health awareness. Since launch, Scholars have created more than 215 transformative Community Change projects—and this new cohort is poised to spark 13 more!
We are honored to welcome the 2026 Scholars
Students Eric Wambugu, Katleho Nthama, Montaha Mansouri, Paris Ennyonyozi, Barack Ihekweazu and educator Lehlabile Davhana, representing their home countries of Kenya, Lesotho, Tunisia, Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Student Alae Sidi Mohamed and educator Melissa Mirich from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Student Audrey Choi and educator Kristen Whitman from Los Angeles, California.
Student Jean Baltazar and educator Christian Ramirez from Los Angeles, California.
Student Jordina Wang and educator Kimberly Kouri from Orlando, Florida.
Student Keraud Bika and educator Laura Ellis from Silver Spring, Maryland.
Student Leonardo Silva and educator Anna Barrientos from Lewisville, Texas.
Student Mohammad Sami and educator Nick Humphreys from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Student Sanaa Al Gburi and educator Jennifer Alexander from Katy, Texas.
Student Siddhi Karthikeya and educator Celia Quiggle from Cerritos, California.
Student Uchenna Uwaezuoke and educator Stacey Robinson from Fairfield, Ohio.
Student Vrinda Patel and educator Ariana Guel from McAllen, Texas.
Student Vunal Jinasundera and educator Quang Vu from San Jose, California.
To see full Scholar biographies and photos, please visit the Meet the Scholars page of the Bezos Scholars Program website.