Who We Are
We are dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential.
Tandem Partnership
Since 2000, we’ve been driven by a simple but ambitious vision: A world where all young people reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
From the start, we’ve believed in the power of education to shape what’s possible in people’s lives and in the world around them.
We know lasting change doesn’t come from leading alone—we think of our role as a rider in the rear seat of a tandem bicycle, supporting researchers, educators, and families as they steer so we can all move farther and faster together.
“Co-creation means that we’re not in the driver’s seat all the time.”
–JACKIE BEZOS
Our Approach to Impact
We Start with the Science
Science is vital to understanding and meeting the evolving needs of children, youth, and families. Guided by the latest research, we support experiences, environments, and person-to-person connections that help youth thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We Support the First 18 Years
Learning is a lifelong journey, but there are two stages in which we learn and grow exponentially in ways that can shape the course of our lives: during our earliest years and during adolescence. We promote positive learning environments from before birth through age 18.
We Fund and Build
We expand opportunity in two ways: by supporting researchers, nonprofit organizations, and communities, and through our own programs. Each approach informs the other, helping us stay grounded in real-world contexts.
We invest in the science of learning and the experiences that young people need from birth to high school to pursue their own path for success.
The Beliefs Powering Our Work
Our efforts are grounded in the latest research on how young people grow and learn and are shaped by five core beliefs.
All children are born with an incredible capacity
Children have an innate love of learning, but they need positive environments, relationships, and enriching educational opportunities to truly thrive.
Positive relationships are essential for learning and development
Relationships between educators, families, caregivers, mentors, and peers further learning for children and young people at every stage.
Science has the power to transform lives
Science-based programs and practices can unlock learning at all stages. We ensure this knowledge reaches educators, caregivers, families, policymakers, and youth themselves, who can apply it effectively.
Every moment can be a learning opportunity
Learning can happen anywhere; it can take place in classrooms, at home, in early care settings, out-of-school programs, and more.
Progress is best made and sustained in partnership with communities
Those closest to the issues bring firsthand insights and solutions, and they need to be centered and uplifted.
Our Founders
The Bezos Family Foundation was created by Mike and Jackie Bezos and their family. As parents and grandparents, Mike and Jackie saw firsthand the incredible potential of young people. More than two decades later, we remain as committed as ever to their belief that every young person, from before birth through adolescence, has the support they need to succeed.