Aspen Challenge - Aspen Institute

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Aspen Challenge - Aspen Institute

The Aspen Challenge, a program of the Aspen Institute, provides a inspiration, and tools for young people to design solutions to society's toughest issues.

Launched in a new U.S. city each year, the Aspen Challenge begins with a forum for students and teachers from partner high schools. At the forum, leaders pioneering change to some of the world’s most pressing issues present challenges to the teams. Equipped with tools and support, teams then design a solution to their selected challenge. Seven weeks later, they present their solutions on stage in

a daylong competition, and teams are selected to advance and showcase their work at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Highlights include:

A Two Day Event to Learn about Challenges [Feb 22-23]: For two power-packed days, the teams will gather at the California Science Center to hear from leaders tackling some of our toughest problems. They will share their experiences and issue a challenge to students asking them to advance solutions. Addressing Challenges with Bold Solutions: Using their creativity, teams will design a model solution to their challenge and create a presentation for their community in order to gather feedback and refine. Throughout the process, the Aspen Challenge partners will provide tools, resources and support for teams. Competition to Showcase Solutions [April 13]: Teams will present their bold solution to a panel of distinguished judges (selected from the highest ranks of local leadership). Judges will select the top three teams based on creativity, feasibility and originality. Participate in the Aspen Ideas Festival and Create A Ripple Effect: The top three teams will be invited to participate in the 2013 Aspen Ideas Festival, where they will have the opportunity to present their solutions to a myriad of global leaders, policymakers and social entrepreneurs.

02/20/2026

Consider this your pre-challenge forum pep talk 😌❤️‍🔥

02/19/2026

5 topics. One city.
Meet the Detroit leaders challenging students to think bigger.

Link in bio to learn more about the Challengers.

01/27/2026

Boston 2026 Challengers have entered the chat. Big ideas. Bold voices. Zero fear. Trust… you’re gonna want to be there for Challenge Forum!

Link in bio to learn more about the Challengers.

01/27/2026

🚨DATES DROPPED🚨
Aspen Challenge 2026 is officially on the calendar.
We’re hitting the road and pulling up to Detroit + Boston to see young people turn big ideas into real impact. 💥🧠

Detroit
📍 Challenge Forum: Feb 24, 2026
🎤 Solution Showcase: Apr 28, 2026

Boston
📍 Challenge Forum: Feb 3, 2026
🎤 Solution Showcase: Apr 7, 2026

12/31/2025

Nine moments. One unforgettable year. 💫
Aspen Challenge 2025 was powered by youth leadership, big ideas, and a community that truly shows up.

As we close out 2025, we’re looking back at nine moments that capture the heart of Aspen Challenge.

Thank you to the young people, educators, alumni, and partners who made this year possible.

12/18/2025

Detroit 🤝 Boston
Aspen Challenge 2026 is officially on!

We’re thrilled to welcome Detroit 🚗🎶 as our newest partner city! Known for its resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted community pride, Detroit is the perfect place for young leaders to reimagine what’s possible and drive meaningful change.

And we’re excited to return to Boston 🐦🍁, where history, innovation, and student leadership continue to intersect. From classrooms to communities, Boston students are ready to challenge ideas, ask big questions, and lead with purpose.

The work is already underway! With planning in motion and momentum building, we’re gearing up for an inspiring year ahead. Follow along for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the impact to come on this exciting journey. 💙💪

12/04/2025

Meet Laila, our YAC Chair! ✨

Aspen Challenge Louisville ’19 alum and now the Public Relations & Marketing Manager at FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) where she supports autistic individuals and families across Louisville with vital social and educational resources 💙

💭 “The Aspen Challenge gives young people the opportunity to make a real, meaningful impact in their communities. ”

Here’s a little bit about Laila:
♊️ Gemini energy: adaptable, social, and full of duality — from nights out with friends to cozy reading sessions with her dog
🎷 Dream city: New Orleans for its culture, history, architecture, and incredible food
📓 Favorite trend: Journaling Ecosystems — because handwritten thoughts > typed ones (and she loves being nosy about how people organize their notebooks)

Her YAC vision?
Building a strong, flexible foundation that helps Aspen Challenge alumni stay connected in ways that truly work for them — now and in the future 💫

12/03/2025

Meet Theo, our YAC Vice Chair!

Aspen Challenge: San Diego ‘24 alum and current college freshman at UC Berkley double majoring in EECS (Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences) and IEOR (Industrial Engineering & Operations Research) 📚

💭 “Aspen Challenge is a rare opportunity for young people to take their ideas and turn them into real, tangible solutions.”

Here’s a little bit about Theo:
♑️ Capricorn energy: disciplined, ambitious, and goal-oriented
🌆 Dreaming of visiting Boston for the history, top universities, museums… and maybe a Celtics game 🏀
🐶 Loves the pibbles trend — French bulldogs forever!

His YAC vision? Creating a centralized hub for Aspen alumni to stay connected, discover events, find mentors, and collaborate on new projects 💫

11/19/2025

In 2024, Mission Bay High School students in San Diego took on a big question: How do we help youth navigate their mental health with dignity, creativity, and support?

Their answer became Mediums of Mental Health — an Aspen Challenge project that uses art to break stigma and connect young people to real resources. What started as an interactive chalkboard mural has now grown into school installations, community events, and a youth-led podcast amplifying mental health stories.

Today, we’re collaborating with the Center for Rising Generations to share where they are now — and how the Aspen Challenge sparked leadership, friendship, and lifelong learning for this incredible team.

Swipe through to hear their reflections and their powerful advice for the next generation of changemakers. 🌱✨

11/13/2025

Meet Faith, our YAC Secretary!

Aspen Challenge: Brooklyn ‘24 alum and current college freshman at Wesleyan majoring in Government 📚

💭“It’s never too early to start advocating for causes you care about.”

Here’s a little bit about Faith:
♑️ True Capricorn energy: dedicated, driven… and maybe a little stubborn
🍕 Dreaming of a trip to Chicago to finally settle the great pizza debate
🍂 Fall uniform: short Uggs + cozy vibes

Her YAC vision? Building stronger connections across the Aspen Challenge family 💫

10/30/2025

🚨 Big news! 🚨
We’re so excited to introduce our Youth Advisory Council Executive Team! 🎉

After an incredible process interviewing amazing Aspen Challenge alumni from across the country, we’re thrilled to welcome these three inspiring leaders to help shape the future of our community:
🌟 Laila — Chair
🌟 Theo — Vice Chair
🌟 Faith — Secretary

These changemakers will bring their voices, experiences, and big ideas to the table. We can’t wait for you to see what’s next. 💡💬

👀 Stay tuned because in the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting each alum to learn more about their journey and vision for the Youth Advisory Council!

10/24/2025

We’re closing out our Mentor Spotlight series with stories that remind us what the Aspen Challenge is all about — leading with purpose, creating change beyond yourself, and giving back to the community that helped you grow. 💪✨

Ready to take the next step?
Become a mentor for Aspen Challenge Detroit 2026 and help guide the next generation of changemakers.

🔗 as.pn/ACTeamMentor25-26
Apply now!

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1000 N Third Street
Aspen, CO
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+19705447915

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http://www.aspenchallenge.org/

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