Two programs. Countless moments of discovery and learning.
In addition to making grants, we operate programs that respond to needs identified by the communities we work with. This combination allows each approach to inform the other — linking the latest research on how learning works with the everyday environments where learning happens.
Our programs help families, educators, nonprofits, and other partners put learning science into practice for young and adolescent learners. Along the way, they generate real-world insights that shape and strengthen our grantmaking.
Sharing the science of early brain development.
Vroom is a global program that provides free, science-based tips and tools to help all parents and caregivers give children a great start in life. Vroom was born out of a need for creative tools and materials that inspire families to turn everyday moments into brain building moments. It was developed with input from parents, early childhood experts, neuroscientists, and community leaders. Today, Vroom reaches millions of families through trusted partners using a variety of digital tool — helping caregivers everywhere turn everyday moments into powerful opportunities for learning and connection.
Parents are seeing that they don’t need special toys or expensive materials to create an atmosphere for learning. They are their child’s most important ‘toy’ and teacher.
–AIMEE BARTLET
Save the Children,
Early Steps to School Success
Learning leadership for a lifetime.
The Bezos Scholars Program is a transformative, year-long, no-cost leadership development program for high school students that amplifies youth voice and action so young people can start making a difference today. At the center of the program are Community Change Projects conceived and launched by Scholars with our support. The collective energy, insight, and ongoing leadership of the program is carried by more than 500 program alum worldwide.
Inspired by the Bezos Scholars Program, the Bezos Family Foundation partnered with the Aspen Institute to launch the Aspen Challenge, extending the program’s model to reach more students nationwide. Through the Challenge, young people apply their creativity, curiosity, and sense of global citizenship to address real-world problems and drive meaningful change.
Aspen Challenge is part of the Center for Rising Generations, which the Foundation invested in to establish and expand opportunities for youth and young adults to engage in civic education, civil dialogue, and leadership development.
Being a Bezos Scholar gave me the courage to believe in myself and my ideas. It’s powerful to know the program supports young people and that there are people who truly believe in me and my work.
–JOEL BARAKA
2016 Scholar
Babies notice physical traits by three months. So why do we wait to talk about identity? Vroom’s new research-backed tips help families start the conversation early — in 19 languages.
Dominique Weiss, a nurse and lactation consultant at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, recalls when she became…
Seats were filled, lights went down, cameras rolled, and alumni from the Bezos Scholars Program took the stage at the…