Bezos Scholars Include New Rochelle Teacher, Student

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- The Bezos Scholars Program (BSP) announced that Ana Acevedo and teacher Camille Edwards-Thomas of New Rochelle High School and Yabundu Conteh and teacher Teng Yang of Democracy Prep Charter High Schoolin New York City are part of the 2016-17 cohort.

A teacher and student from New Rochelle High School were selected as Bezos Scholars.
Photo Credit: *Zak Failla*

Jason Bisnoff

05/20/2016 2:45 p.m.

This opportunity drew an applicant pool representing nearly every U.S. state. Students were selected based on academic rigor, intellectual curiosity and demonstrated commitment to change.

"We are thrilled to welcome another exceptional group of leaders into BSP," said Nicole Hanson, Youth Leadership Manager at the Bezos Family Foundation. "This diverse group brings a rich array of experiences, passions, and ideas to a program known for catalyzing big ideas.”

Founded by the Bezos Family Foundation in 2005, BSP selects 30 top high school students and exceptional educators each year to participate in the leadership development program, including an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival.

After attending the festival, the scholars return home to organize their own community change programs, known as Local Ideas Festivals (LIFs). Scholars choose the theme of their LIF based on the intersection of their passion and a true community need.

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