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.

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

2026 Teen Socrates Seminar – Rifle
Leadership

2026 Teen Socrates Seminar – Rifle

| Rifle, CO

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Teen Socrates Seminar – Winter 2027
Leadership

Teen Socrates Seminar – Winter 2027

| Aspen, CO

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2027 Spring Hurst Great Ideas Seminar
Leadership

2027 Spring Hurst Great Ideas Seminar

| Aspen, CO

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2027 Teen Socrates Seminar – Virtual
Leadership

2027 Teen Socrates Seminar – Virtual

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2026 Fall Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar
Leadership

2026 Fall Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar

| Aspen, CO

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Opportunity Youth Forum Fall 2026 Cross-Site Convening
Economic Opportunity Rising Generations

Opportunity Youth Forum Fall 2026 Cross-Site Convening

| O'ahu, Hawai'i

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2026 Teen Socrates Seminar – Virtual
Leadership

2026 Teen Socrates Seminar – Virtual

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Spring Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar
Leadership

Spring Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar

| Aspen, CO

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Teens & Screens: Safety, Belonging, and Growing Up Online
Science and Technology Global Affairs

Teens & Screens: Safety, Belonging, and Growing Up Online

| Washington, DC

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Leadership Societal Trust

The Promise of Rising Generations

| Aspen, CO

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2026 Champions for Change Panel
Rising Generations

2026 Champions for Change Panel

| Washington, DC

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From Healing to Opportunity: Integrating Trauma Healing into Development Programs
Global Development
Aspen Ideas Festival 2025

Aspen Ideas Festival 2025

| Aspen, CO

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Project Play Summit 2025

| Bay Area, California

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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.

Latest in Rising Generations

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

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt joined ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Schulze for a conversation offering an Oklahoma perspective on the economy.
Blog Posts Videos

An Oklahoma Perspective on Growth and Opportunity

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt joined ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Schulze for a conversation offering an Oklahoma perspective on the economy.

Aspen Ideas: Economy in Tulsa
Blog Posts Videos

How Can We Help the Next Generation Build Wealth?

At the 2026 Aspen Ideas: Economy in Tulsa, a conversation about Trump Accounts explores how to help the next generation build wealth.

Does Economic Growth Pass the Kitchen-Table Test?
Blog Posts Videos

Does Economic Growth Pass the Kitchen-Table Test?

Watch the conversation from the 2026 Aspen Ideas: Economy in Tulsa.

Global Opportunity Youth Network Announces New Multi-Year Phase of Support from Accenture to Expand Opportunity Youth

Multi-year, $5.9 million grant will enable GOYN to connect more than 422,000 Opportunity Youth to a journey toward economic mobility.

Ideas. Leadership. Action. Delivered to You.

The Aspen Institute shares regular updates about our work. You’ll receive the latest information on upcoming events and popular material from our staff — including publications, blog posts, podcasts, and videos.