The Aspen Institute is an optimistic institution—and a resilient one—especially in difficult times. In 2020, a year of profound hardship, we launched new work in key areas, ranging from criminal justice to interreligious dialogue, from public health to youth leadership. And our community came together to deepen our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—critical for our society and for our organization.
Equity & Racial Justice
Around the world, people are finally starting to acknowledge historic injustices. Because recognizing them isn’t enough, programs within the Aspen Institute are leading the charge to right wrongs, expand opportunity, and deliver a future that works for everyone.
Crossing Divides
In a world rife with economic, cultural, and political divides, the Aspen Institute is dedicated to giving organizations and individuals the tools they need to communicate effectively, reason intelligently, and find common humanity.
Pandemic Response
The betterment of society usually progresses through an endless campaign of small victories, but when faced with a fearsome challenge, big thinkers spring into action. As the pandemic raged, Aspen Institute programs assembled experts in science, technology, and education to mitigate the worst—and to lay a path toward a promising tomorrow.
Youth & Education
All our work—as an organization, as a society—will be for naught if there isn’t a generation of leaders and thinkers to carry it forward. Aspen Institute programs offer young people, particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities, economic and educational opportunities to help them reach their full potential.
