Bezos Scholars Program - leadership opportunity for juniors and educators!

 

The http://www.bezosfamilyfoundation.org/scholars is a leadership development program that offers pathways for students and educators to put their educational abilities into action. Bezos Scholars are high school juniors and exceptional educators who will attend the Aspen Ideas Festival (June 26 – July 2, 2012).

During the Scholars Program @the Aspen Institute, Student and Educator Scholars will attend six (6) days of seminars, tutorials, lectures and debates. They will share meals and Scholars-only roundtable discussions with some of the most provocative thinkers, writers, artists, entrepreneurs and change-makers from around the world. Dedicated leadership trainings help Scholars begin to see themselves as leaders and will prepare them for the challenge ahead: Creating sustainable Local Ideas Festivals that will transform their schools and communities.

To apply for the Bezos Scholars program, students must:

Be a public high school junior during the 2011-2012 academic year;

Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher;

Be taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate classes or college/community courses;

Demonstrate leadership in their school and their community;

Have scored exceptionally well on the PSAT/SAT/or ACT;

Be available to attend all dates of the Scholars Program @the Aspen Institute; and

Be a legal U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Each Student Scholar application should include a:

Student application;

Release form;

Principal report;

Transcript cover sheet; and

Nomination for an Educator Scholar.

Principals may nominate themselves, a vice principal or a classroom educator to be an Educator Scholar. Educator Scholars will be invited to attend the Ideas Festival along with the Student Scholar and will be expected to partner with their fellow Student Scholar in the creation of a Local Ideas Festival during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Ideal Educator Scholars will:

Have a passion for education and youth leadership development;

Be a champion of big ideas, high expectations and actionable aspirations;

Create a supportive and motivational environment for student learning;

Have a willingness to collaborate with Student Scholars to plan and launch a sustainable Local Ideas Festival;

Attend the week-long Aspen Ideas Festival, which includes long, power-packed panels, events and leadership development; and

Have a desire to improve classroom, school and district education through this opportunity.

Applications for Student and Educator Scholars are due February 3, 2012.