NEW YORK -- Mega billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, former news anchor Lauren Sánchez Bezos, are awarding $5 million to the founder of a neurodivergent student support network, a recognition that the lesser-known recipient credits to the students powering his fast-growing movement for more inclusive classrooms.“I feel like there’s a narrative sometimes that our little actions don’t matter,” Neurodiversity Alliance CEO David Flink said."That’s just not true.
And this proves it.Lots of little actions that happen every day in our work, collectively over time, reached the ears of folks like Lauren and Jeff.”Flink is among this year's five winners of the Bezos Courage & Civility Award.
Given most years since 2021, the grant celebrates barrier-breaking individuals who unify people behind bold solutions to often neglected challenges.The no-strings-attached prize money can be used however honorees want to pursue their charitable goals.The Neurodiversity Alliance began over 25 years ago as a peer-to-peer mentorship program for students with various learning and developmental differences such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia.
The nonprofit now reaches more than 600 high schools and colleges, encouraging youth to build educational environments that serve classmates whose brains function differently from what is considered typical.The Bezoses, who tied the knot this summer in a lavish Venice ceremony that drew protests highlighting wealth inequality, did not release any explanation for their support of the cause.The Amazon founder's net worth sits around $240 billion, according to Forbes, making him the fourth richest person in the world.Bezos has previously shown an interest in early childhood education through his nonprofit network of tuition-free preschools inspired by the Montessori model.
Sánchez Bezos grew up with undiagnosed dyslexia.She told “Good Morning America” last year that her children’s book, “The Fly Who Flew to Space,...