$5 million grant to The Neurodiversity Alliance shines a spotlight on neurodiverse learners, ensuring every student, regardless of ability, has the tools and support to thrive

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NEW YORK, NY – (December 17, 2025) – The Neurodiversity Alliance (The ND Alliance) today announced that David Flink was selected as a recipient of the Bezos Courage & Civility Award, given by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The $5 million award recognizes exceptional leadership and commitment to ensuring young people learn and thrive. 

The 2025 Awards shine a light on a critical priority: ensuring that all learners receive the education and support they need to succeed. This cohort of award recipients celebrates those who boldly challenge the status quo to create learning environments that value young people of all abilities, including students with learning differences.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award. Twelve-year-old me could never have imagined this moment. I dedicate it to all neurodiverse learners who show extraordinary courage each day by simply stepping into schools not built for their way of thinking,” said David Flink, Founder and CEO of The ND Alliance. “This is more than an award—it’s a call to action. With 1 in 5 students learning differently, championing neurodiversity is no longer optional: it’s essential. And, with schools struggling to meet these students’ needs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. I’m grateful to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos for shining a spotlight on neurodiversity and helping create belonging and opportunity for millions of young people.” 

The Bezos Courage & Civility Award celebrates exceptional leaders who overcome barriers, embrace bold ideas, and create lasting change. The recipients show courage by standing firm in the face of adversity, taking risks to address difficult, often neglected challenges. They also show civility by uniting instead of dividing—and pursuing progress with respect and empathy. 

With this award, The Neurodiversity Alliance will accelerate their work to:

• Scale Reach and Depth of Programs: The ND Alliance has experienced 10X growth since its formal launch one year ago. As more students identify as neurodivergent and struggle to find belonging and tools to succeed, The ND Alliance can meet this moment and the growing need by scaling its reach and depth of programming nationwide. 
• Expand National Network of Student Leaders: The ND Alliance aims to ensure every school in the country has a Neurodiversity Club where students who learn differently and their allies can feel safe, seen, and supported. To realize this vision, The ND Alliance will invest in expanding its national network of student leaders who are trained, mentored, and equipped to launch and sustain clubs, leading this movement from within their own schools and communities.
• Invest in Storytelling and Awareness: The ND Alliance understands that those who need their support most often simply need to know they exist. As such, The ND Alliance will expand its local and national reach to ensure its message of hope and critical resources is widely accessible. 
• Strengthen Core Infrastructure: The ND Alliance will complete the buildout of its online portal and mobile app, grow its resource library, and expand the Eye to Eye Mentoring program. 

"Off the court, my journey with dyslexia has fueled my mission to champion equity and inclusion for students who learn differently,” said Jewell Loyd, WNBA player and ND Alliance Celebrity Ambassador. “I know what it feels like to be underestimated—and I know what’s possible when you’re supported. This award will help The ND Alliance take their mission to the next level, ensuring schools across the country embrace neurodiversity and create environments where every student can thrive."

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About David Flink/The Neurodiversity Alliance

David Flink is the Founder and CEO of The ND Alliance. He is also a 2021 CNN Hero,  a recipient of the Elevate Prize, and author of Thinking Differently: An Inspiring Guide for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities. His second book, 20% Smarter: How Neurodivergents Are Reshaping the World, will bridge advocacy and impact, exploring the strengths neurodivergent thinkers bring to companies; it is scheduled for release in 2026.

The Neurodiversity Alliance (The ND Alliance) is a national organization dedicated to improving educational experiences and outcomes for students who learn differently while promoting equity and inclusion. Through high school and college clubs (the largest community and national network of neurodiversity clubs in the country), scholarships, paid internships, and national campaigns, The ND Alliance builds community, fosters peer support, and empowers young leaders. Additionally, its award-winning mentorship program and neurodiversity-focused events inspire broader community engagement and advocacy. To learn more about The ND Alliance, visit https://thendalliance.org.

About the Bezos Courage & Civility Award

The Bezos Courage & Civility Award, established in 2021, honors individuals who aim high and pursue solutions to tough and often neglected challenges with courage and civility. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos recognize both seasoned and emerging leaders who are driving meaningful change. Each award recipient designates a nonprofit to receive a grant in support of the work they are doing. Recipients embody the belief that transformative progress requires both bold action and collaborative work across differences.