Bezos Scholars Program – 2026
Fully Funded Leadership & Community Impact Program for High School Juniors
Bezos Family Foundation
In partnership with the Aspen Institute
A philanthropic organization dedicated to unlocking human potential and expanding access to transformative educational and leadership opportunities for young people from underserved communities.
Location / Coverage
• Aspen, Colorado (Summer Experience)
• Year-long virtual and community-based engagement
• Open to students across the United States
• Fully funded, in-person Aspen experience
The Bezos Scholars Program is a prestigious, fully funded, year-long leadership development program designed for outstanding high school juniors from underserved U.S. public schools.
The program empowers students to become changemakers through leadership training, mentorship, and real-world community impact. Scholars participate in an immersive, all-expenses-paid experience at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado, where they engage with global leaders, innovators, and thinkers.
Following Aspen, Scholars design and implement a Community Change Project in their local communities, supported by funding, coaching, and a nationwide network of peers and educators.
The program also includes personalized college advising and long-term alumni support, helping students prepare for higher education and leadership beyond high school.
Program Benefits
Selected Scholars will receive:
• Fully funded participation (no program fees)
• All-expenses-paid week-long experience in Aspen, Colorado
• Travel, lodging, meals, and program costs covered
• Leadership development and civic engagement training
• $1,000 grant to launch a Community Change Project
• One-on-one college advising and financial aid guidance
• Mentorship from an educator at their school
• Access to Aspen Ideas Festival sessions and speakers
• National and global network of Bezos Scholars alumni
• Year-long support and leadership coaching
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
• Current high school juniors (Class of 2027)
• Enrolled in a U.S. public high school
• Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
• Enrolled in or have completed at least one advanced course (AP, IB, Honors, or college-level)
• Attend a school that meets at least one of the following:
– Title I school
– ≥30% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch
– State-identified economically underserved or high-need school
• Willing to fully participate in the year-long program
• Able to attend the Aspen experience
• Must nominate an educator from their school to serve as mentor
Strongly encouraged:
• Students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds
• Students with disabilities (accommodations provided)
Not eligible:
• Students not enrolled in a U.S. public high school
• Seniors or students below junior year
• Schools that hosted a Bezos Scholar in 2024 or 2025
Focus Areas / Leadership Themes
Community projects and leadership work may focus on:
• Education equity
• Mental health & wellness
• Climate & environmental justice
• Youth empowerment
• Civic engagement
• Social justice & equity
• Technology for social good
• Community health & access
(Projects are student-designed and community-driven.)
Program Level
• High School Leadership Program
• Community Impact Fellowship
• College & Career Readiness
• Civic Engagement & Social Change
• Pre-College Leadership Development
15 januari 2026