Yes, we ask that no more than two students per school submit an application. If there are multiple eligible students at a school, we suggest the school host an internal selection process to identify the top two candidates to move forward with submitting an application.

Applicant's school must:

• Be a public high school (charter, magnet schools, and tribal schools through the Bureau of Indian Education are eligible).
• Have at least 30% of students who are eligible for free/reduced price meals (firm cutoff).
• To encourage equity of opportunity, priority will be given to schools that have not had a Bezos Scholar in the previous two years.

Applicant must:

• Be a junior during the 2018-19 academic year
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have received DACA status
• Demonstrate leadership in their school and community
• Have taken and received scores for at least one of the following tests: PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACT Aspire
• Be enrolled in, or have taken, one or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes, International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, or college-level courses
• Be available to participate fully and attend all trip dates for the Aspen Ideas Festival trip in Aspen, Colorado on June 22-28, 2019
• August 2019 – June 2020: Commit to attending monthly webinars, check-in calls, and develop and launch a community change project (Local Ideas Festival) as well as complete three reports on the progress of project development

Only students who are juniors at a public high school during the current academic year may apply.

No. The educator nominee must be a principal, vice principal, guidance counselor, or classroom teacher from the student's high school who intends to work at the high school during the following academic year.

Educators submit their nominating information as part of the student's application. The student will be provided a link to send to the educator they nominate. This link is unique and tied to the specific student’s application. The form includes basic questions about background, teaching style, and a few short written responses.

Scores from at least one of these standardized tests are required as part of the application. An unofficial copy of your score report is sufficient—we do not require an official copy from ETS.

Applications must be completed and submitted by February 8, 2019. A complete application includes all parts of the application, including the principal's letter of support, the educator nominee form, and two letters of recommendation.

To start an application, students must first affirm eligibility and create a profile. A profile allows you to save and return to your application any time prior to the deadline. Once you submit your application, it can no longer be edited. Here’s what to look forward to as you complete your application.

1. Part One: Your Story: Basic demographic information, school details, coursework, standardized test scores, extra-curricular activities you participate in, and three written essay responses to be able to share what is most important to you – your passions, your accomplishments, and your community contributions. Be sure to have unofficial copies of transcripts and test scores to upload.

2. Part Two: Your Support: As part of your application you also need support and completed application materials from the following:

• Principal: Your school principal must complete a short form, Principal Support Form, with information about your school
• Educator: You will need to identify, nominate, and partner with a trusted educator at your school. This educator will also travel to Aspen and take part in the Aspen Ideas Festival, participate fully in the year-long program as your Educator Scholar, and work closely with you for the duration of the program to help plan and execute your community change project. We advise you to communicate with your school principal for guidance on your Educator Nominee.
• Recommenders: Identify two people to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Consider asking a teacher, mentor, or community member. Letters of recommendation from family members cannot be considered.
-Links are provided in the application to send online forms directly to the above individuals
-It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the principal, educator, and those submitting letters of recommendation do so before the application deadline.

30 scholars are selected each year:

• 12 juniors and accompanying educators from U.S. high schools
• 5 students and 1 educator from the African Leadership Academy

To date there have been more than 300 Bezos Scholars and educators!

Applications will be read carefully by members of an external election committee. The committee—comprised of a diverse group of leaders in education, global advocacy, science, design, media, and youth leadership—will select finalists based on academic rigor, written responses, demonstrated leadership, community engagement, and submitted recommendations.

We’re seeking passionate and intellectually curious young people, who are rising leaders in their schools and communities. We value cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity among applicants and schools.

In an effort to provide this opportunity to a broader number of schools, priority will be given to schools that have not had a Bezos Scholar in the previous two years.

We’re looking for high school students who are independent thinkers, demonstrated leaders, and engaged community members. Be sure to show how this opportunity will serve you as an aspiring leader! Top applicants:

• Express themselves clearly and authentically
• Highlight their personal and group leadership skills and community involvement
• Double-check their work and submit a complete, error-free application
• Demonstrate academic rigor
• Are excited about learning for learning's sake, and are open to new perspectives and ideas