Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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The Experience

The Fellowship Experience

The Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship ensures that young adults gain access to high-quality leadership programming, connect to the powerful Aspen Institute network, and pursue lives of meaning and purpose as changemakers in their communities. The Fellowship experience accelerates leadership development and Fellows’ understanding of how to effectuate change individually and collectively, as well as inside and outside of systems.
Each year, local cohorts of young people ages 18 – 22 are selected based on talent and potential. The Fellowship lasts for five years, with the first year comprised of monthly professionally moderated leadership development seminars focused on exploring shared humanistic values and connecting lived experiences to a deeper analysis of community and society. Fellows then apply that learning to design community impact projects. For the remaining five years, Fellows leverage unique AYLF benefits including leadership development programming and career and educational support, and access to a life-long network designed to support their success.
Beginning the AYLF Journey