Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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Rising Generations

Igniting the Potential in Young Leaders

Young people are not just the future—they are leaders today. At Aspen Institute, we ignite the potential of young people of all backgrounds by developing their leadership, amplifying their voices, and enabling productive dialogue across differences. Through community-building, civic engagement, and meaningful participation, we empower Rising Generations to shape policies, institutions, and society. Across the Institute, we foster intergenerational collaboration, support youth- and young adult-led innovation, and help young changemakers bring their ideas to life.

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The Center for Rising Generations

The Center for Rising Generations ignites the potential of young people by developing leadership, amplifying voices, and fostering dialogue to drive change. Explore how we elevate their impact.

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Voices of the Future

At The Aspen Institute, we believe in the power of youth to shape the world for the better. Get inspired by their determination to create a brighter tomorrow.

Events

Aspen Ideas Festival 2025

| Aspen, CO

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Leadership Societal Trust Science and Technology Rising Generations

Rising Civic AI Leaders

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Project Play Summit 2025

| Bay Area, California

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Energy and Climate Leadership Societal Trust Science and Technology

Policy Impact for Emerging Climate Leaders: Training Program

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NATO Youth Summit

| Miami, Florida

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Future of Sports: Olympic Reform in the Public Interest

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Future of Sports: College Sports Reform in the Public Interest

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Books Unbanned: Protecting Young People’s Freedom to Read

| New York, NY 10065

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The Opportunity Youth Forum: Cross-Site Convening

| Austin, TX

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A student, holding a notebook, speaks into a microphone. She is surrounded by a cheering group of young people wearing matching black and orange t-shirts.

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Amplifying Youth Voices

The Aspen Challenge provides inspiration, tools, and a platform for young people to design solutions to some of the most critical problems humanity faces.

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Latest in Rising Generations

Explore the latest insights, programs, and initiatives from across the Aspen Institute, all focused on empowering and elevating Rising Generations.

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Aspen Institute’s 63X30 Roundtable Launches National Effort to Support Sports Parents

June 10, 2025

Aspen Ideas Festival 2025

Bold ideas. Bright minds. One transformative week.

Rising Civic AI Leaders

A program providing recent tech-to-government civic AI leaders with the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate government processes.
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Project Play Summit 2025

The Project Play Summit is the nation’s premier gathering of leaders building healthy children and communities through sports. On March 24-25, Project Play heads to the Bay Area — the first time the event has been hosted on the West Coast and a world-renowned center for innovation, just the kind of setting leaders from across sectors need to unlock the ideas and innovations to better serve youth.

Policy Impact for Emerging Climate Leaders: Training Program

To support emerging climate leaders in their efforts to shape climate policy, the Aspen Policy Academy offers this bootcamp.