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Who We Are
We ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world.
We were founded in 1949 as an experiment—as a place to reflect on values and lead with purpose in a complex, changing world.
The Aspen Institute is powered by a dedicated community of leaders working together to advance our mission with purpose and care.
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How We Work
We bring people together, develop leaders, and enable solutions to today’s challenges by fostering dialogue and collaboration.
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What We Do
We tackle society’s most complex challenges through programs, leadership initiatives, and convenings that turn ideas into action.
Our Impact Areas
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About Us
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Impact
We convene diverse voices to explore complex challenges and spark ideas and foster relationships that lead to real-world impact.
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The Latest From the Aspen Institute
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History and Heritage
We were founded in 1949 as an experiment—as a place to reflect on values and lead with purpose in a complex, changing world.
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Locations
Our U.S. locations foster connection, reflection, and dialogue—serving as hubs for ideas, leadership, and impact.
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International Partners
Our network of 13 international partners and 1 initiative advance dialogue, civil discourse, and practical solutions to important challenges within their societies. They are distinct nonprofit organizations affiliated with the Aspen Institute.
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People & Culture
Aspen Institute employees bring diverse backgrounds and a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and experience. We value their passion, insight, and commitment as our most vital resource.
If you are interested in a career with the Aspen Institute, please explore our open positions.
The Aspen Institute offers internships that build skills, provide hands-on learning, and connect you with professionals in your field.
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Across the Institute
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Programs
Our programs tackle complex challenges across policy, society, and culture, creating space for dialogue, innovation, and practical solutions.
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Events
From global convenings to local forums, our events bring together diverse voices to exchange ideas and explore solutions to critical issues.
Wed
10
Dec 2025
July 15 – 18, 2025 | Aspen, CO
Tue
16
Dec 2025
Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for 6 months.
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Fellowships
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Seminars
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Partnerships
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MyAspen Sign Up
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People
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Support Us
Discover the ways you can fuel our impact and help us advance our mission.
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Seminars
Our signature leadership seminars create transformative experiences that challenge participants to reflect deeply, think critically, and grow as purposeful leaders.
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Centers
Aspen Institute Centers provide focused platforms for advancing specific fields of inquiry, public understanding, and leadership development across disciplines.
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Publications and Reports
Our research, reports, and commentary share knowledge, surface insights, and inform policy and public discourse.
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Awards
We recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to society, leadership, and the public good.
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Fellowships
We cultivate communities of high-impact leaders committed to values-driven leadership and positive change in their sectors and communities.
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Energy and Climate
We elevate climate solutions through practical, collective action that protects our planet and our future.
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Economic Opportunity
We advance strategies, policies, and ideas that catalyze the change needed to build an inclusive economy—one that ensures financial security, opportunity, and resilience.
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Leadership
We connect and develop leaders across sectors, geographies, and generations, creating networks of individuals committed to solving our greatest challenges.
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Rising Generations
We ignite the potential of young people of all backgrounds by developing their leadership, amplifying their voices, and enabling productive dialogue across differences.
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Societal Trust
We strengthen democracy and our social fabric by building trust and solving problems in partnership with individuals, institutions, and communities.
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President and CEO
Dan Porterfield is President and CEO of the Aspen Institute. He has been recognized as a visionary strategist, leader, and advocate for young people and purpose-driven leadership.
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Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees includes distinguished leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Trustees provide counsel to the President and CEO, oversee the management of the Institute’s assets and affairs, and guide the organization in fulfillment of its purpose and mission.
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Executive Leadership
The Executive Team advises the President and CEO on strategy and operations, ensures alignment across the Institute, and advances its mission internally and externally. Members represent key programs and functions.
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Experts
Our experts focus on an array of relevant critical issues and ideas. They come from a diverse range of backgrounds and have made it their mission to further the ideals of the Aspen Institute
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Planned Giving
Your values-based legacy gift to the Aspen Institute can be a powerful testament to shared beliefs and provide essential support towards our impactful work.
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Corporate and Foundation Partners
The Aspen Institute is proud to partner with leading companies in our mission to solve the greatest challenges of our time through dialogue, leadership, and action.
The Aspen Ideas Festival and Youth & Engagement Programs will host the 2nd annual Young Adult Forum at the 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival. Young people ages 14 to 24 from across the United States and the world will engage some of the brightest minds on the Ideas Festival stage in dialogue around key issues of the day. Event highlights will include panels & performances, dinner & a design thinking workshop, and small group seminar discussion.