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Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute Launches Inaugural Youth Advisory Council to Power Youth-Led Solutions to Today’s Most Pressing Challenges

WASHINGTON, DC, January 7, 2026 — The Center for Rising Generations (CRG) at the Aspen Institute today announced the launch of its inaugural Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a new leadership body of 20 young changemakers ages 18-30 from across the United States who will directly advise CRG on strategy, programming, communications, and partnerships.

Designed with intention and informed by best practices, the YAC represents CRG’s commitment to working with young people, not just talking about them. The Council brings together students, organizers, founders, artists, policy advocates, and community leaders whose lived experiences reflect the diversity of rising generations.

“We created the YAC because we recognize that young people are already at the forefront of innovation and impact,” said Kaya Henderson, Executive Vice President at the Aspen Institute and Executive Director of the Center for Rising Generations. “The Council reflects the fact that young people are leading bold change, and their voices belong at every table.”

At a time when many youth councils across sectors often function as symbolic or extractive, CRG’s YAC was built to avoid these pitfalls through a values-driven, evidence-based design that includes:

  • Compensated participation: Each member receives a $2,000 stipend that honors their time, labor, and expertise.
  • Meaningful influence: Members will shape CRG’s decisions through quarterly meetings, ongoing working groups, and an annual in-person retreat in Washington, D.C.
  • Clear feedback loops: Ensuring YAC recommendations directly inform CRG actions, priorities, and messaging.
  • Professional development: Members will access workshops, mentorship, and an Aspen Seminar experience, strengthening their leadership trajectory.

“I’m excited to join the CRG Youth Advisory Council because it creates space for young people to learn from one another and lead with purpose,” said YAC member, Esther Bonney, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Maryland, College Park. “My passion is empowering youth and supporting community-based solutions at the intersection of mental health and environmental stewardship. I’m eager to bring my energy, creativity, and perspective to the YAC, and to help build initiatives that make a meaningful impact in communities across the country.”

The YAC emerged from a months-long nomination and review process launched in August 2025. More than 70 nominees were considered by a seven-person selection committee, drawing from the Aspen Institute’s network as well as external nominations. Selections prioritized racial, geographic, ideological, and experiential diversity, resulting in a cohort that spans rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities, and represents sectors including education, civic tech, arts & culture, public policy, entrepreneurship, and community organizing.

“The YAC is an advisory group, yes, but it’s also a blueprint,” said Henderson. “We’re building a model others can look to for how to meaningfully integrate youth leaders into institutional decision-making.

The launch of the YAC marks a major milestone for CRG’s commitment to elevating youth perspectives across the Aspen Institute and beyond. In early 2026, the YAC’s working groups will release initial recommendations to inform CRG’s key initiatives, including the Rising Generations Summit. CRG is exploring future opportunities such as a YAC alumni network launching in fall 2026, deeper integration with Aspen Institute programs and partners, and potential pathways for youth liaisons to engage with leaders across the Aspen community.

The YAC will also contribute directly to CRG storytelling, including writing for CRG’s publications on its Substack, The Groupchat, and advising on communication strategies to reach diverse youth communities around the world.

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About the Center for Rising Generations

The Center for Rising Generations (CRG) at the Aspen Institute is committed to uplifting, investing in, and working alongside young people to share a more vibrant, connected, and creative future. Through storytelling, community engagement, leadership development, and cross-sector gatherings, CRG amplifies the power and potential of rising generations to drive impact in their communities and beyond.

For more information, visit https://www.risinggenerations.org/

Contact:Eric Baker
Media Relations Manager
[email protected]