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Providing inspiration, tools, and a platform for young people to design solutions to some of the most critical problems humanity faces.

THIS YEAR

News from the current Aspen Challenge Opening Forums, as well as Aspen Challenge competition.

THIS YEAR

News from the current Aspen Challenge Opening Forums, as well as Aspen Challenge competition.

INSPIRE

INSPIRE. ENGAGE. LEAD

Young people are moments away from being tomorrow’s decision-makers and this program offers them a chance to practice their critical thinking, tap into their creativity, and offer their fresh perspective on issues within our society.

SPEAKERS

Featured presenters at this year's and past year's Aspen Challenge Opening Forums.

SPEAKERS

Featured presenters at this year's and past year's Aspen Challenge Opening Forums.

SPEAKERS

Featured

Jan 24, 2017 Chicago 2017 Kissane Viola

DANIELLE N. LEE

Jan 24, 2017 Chicago 2017 Kissane Viola

Biologist and Visiting Assistant Professor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Jan 24, 2017 Chicago 2017 Kissane Viola

Jan 23, 2017 Philadelphia 2017 Kissane Viola

KOMAL AHMAD

Jan 23, 2017 Philadelphia 2017 Kissane Viola

Founder and CEO
Copia

Jan 23, 2017 Philadelphia 2017 Kissane Viola

MK ASANTE

Jan 23, 2017 Philadelphia 2017 Kissane Viola

Author, Artist, Professor

Jan 23, 2017 Philadelphia 2017 Kissane Viola

EZEKIEL EMANUEL

Jan 23, 2017 Philadelphia 2017 Kissane Viola

Oncologist, Bioethicist, and Professor
University of Pennsylvania

Jan 23, 2017 Philadelphia 2017 Kissane Viola

SEE ALL SPEAKERS

Aspen Challenge Teams on Aspen Mountain, Aspen, CO 2015.jpg

LATEST NEWS

Featured

In the Name of Real Community Change: Aspen Challenge Teams Turn Competition Into Collaboration

Jun 25, 2017 Natalie Travers

In the Name of Real Community Change: Aspen Challenge Teams Turn Competition Into Collaboration

Jun 25, 2017 Natalie Travers

Before the Aspen Challenge team from Wendell Phillips Academy High School placed their focus solely on their trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, they joined five other Aspen Challenge teams for a brainstorming session who, like them, chose to tackle one of the most talked about and troublesome problems that Chicagoans face: violence prevention and police-community relations. Nearly 30 employees of the City of Chicago and Chicago Police Department (CPD), from precincts across the city and the neighborhoods represented by each school in attendance, met with students to explore ways to collaborate and continue students’ work to create a culture of peace in Chicago.

Jun 25, 2017 Natalie Travers

Apr 6, 2017 Natalie Travers

Solution for Improving Trust Among Chicago Police and Teens Awarded First Place in Competition

Apr 6, 2017 Natalie Travers

A team of inspiring high school students from Wendell Phillips Academy High School claimed the top prize during the Aspen Challenge competition in Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry. Judges awarded the winning team an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend and present at the 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival, an acclaimed gathering of global leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs taking place in Colorado in June. Al Raby School for Community and Environment and Northside College Prep High School placed second and third, respectively.

Apr 6, 2017 Natalie Travers

Mar 30, 2017 Natalie Travers

Solutions for Healthy Living and Food Waste Reduction Win the Challenge in Philadelphia

Mar 30, 2017 Natalie Travers

Three groups of inspiring students from Northeast High School, Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter High School, and George Washington High School claimed the top prizes during the Aspen Challenge competition in Philadelphia on March 29 at Ballroom at the Ben. Judges awarded the winning teams an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend and present at the 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival, an acclaimed gathering of global leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs taking place in Colorado in June.

Mar 30, 2017 Natalie Travers

CITY PARTNERS

Each year, the Aspen Challenge partners with an urban school district to bring the Aspen Challenge to a new city. Up to 20 schools are invited to participate. Public high schools that have at least 25 percent of students eligible for free/reduced lunch are eligible for participation. While the Aspen Challenge provides inspiration and a platform for young people to address pressing issues, it is also about building engaged communities. When the Aspen Challenge launches in a new city, support from the community is critical to realizing the inspiring work of these young leaders and educators. With local support from grantors and districts, the program continues in each city in subsequent years, and communities tailor the experience for their city. Visit each partner page to learn more about what is happening in each city!

CITY PARTNERS

Each year, the Aspen Challenge partners with an urban school district to bring the Aspen Challenge to a new city. Up to 20 schools are invited to participate. Public high schools that have at least 25 percent of students eligible for free/reduced lunch are eligible for participation. While the Aspen Challenge provides inspiration and a platform for young people to address pressing issues, it is also about building engaged communities. When the Aspen Challenge launches in a new city, support from the community is critical to realizing the inspiring work of these young leaders and educators. With local support from grantors and districts, the program continues in each city in subsequent years, and communities tailor the experience for their city. Visit each partner page to learn more about what is happening in each city!

2017 CITY PARTNERS

SOCIAL FEED

Latest social feed about the Aspen Challenge. This page also contains information regarding featured speakers and solutions from the Aspen Challenge.

SOCIAL FEED

Latest social feed about the Aspen Challenge. This page also contains information regarding featured speakers and solutions from the Aspen Challenge.

#ASPENCHALLENGE

The festival has officially begun! We cannot wait to see our teams tomorrow in Aspen! #aspenchallenge #aspenideas

#AspenChallenge Chicago teams were up to the challenge to develop ways to curb violence and improve police-community relations in their communities. Today, the @chicagopolicedepartment stepped up in a major way to engage in real conversations with @chipubschools students on ways to keep students’ work in those areas going!

Our Philly teams are prepping to take the stage in just a few weeks at #aspenideas! #aspenchallenge @aspeninstitute @aspeninstyouth @philly_schools

Our Aspen Challenge Philly teachers knocked it out of the park tonight sharing their prototypes for creating student agency and deeper learning in their classroom. Bravo! #aspenchallenge @2revolutions @phillyschools

Today is the day! Looking forward to the big ideas that each #AspenChallenge team has been working on.

We are excited to kick off the Philly competition today! Follow #AspenChallenge for live updates. #unitymakesphilly #leadership

Inspired by the #AspenChallenge, teams participating in #Challenge5280 will present their student driven solutions this Monday! #dps #sboe

#tbt to our AC Philly Coaches swapping stories of memorable moments in the classroom at our midway meeting earlier this week. #aspenchallenge #unitymakesphilly

OUR PARTNERS

Each year, the Aspen Challenge partners with an urban school district to bring the Aspen Challenge to a new city. Up to 20 schools are invited to participate. Public high schools that have at least 25 percent of students eligible for free/reduced lunch are eligible for participation. While the Aspen Challenge provides inspiration and a platform for young people to address pressing issues, it is also about building engaged communities. When the Aspen Challenge launches in a new city, support from the community is critical to realizing the inspiring work of these young leaders and educators. With local support from grantors and districts, the program continues in each city in subsequent years, and communities tailor the experience for their city. Visit each partner page to learn more about what is happening in each city!

OUR PARTNERS

Each year, the Aspen Challenge partners with an urban school district to bring the Aspen Challenge to a new city. Up to 20 schools are invited to participate. Public high schools that have at least 25 percent of students eligible for free/reduced lunch are eligible for participation. While the Aspen Challenge provides inspiration and a platform for young people to address pressing issues, it is also about building engaged communities. When the Aspen Challenge launches in a new city, support from the community is critical to realizing the inspiring work of these young leaders and educators. With local support from grantors and districts, the program continues in each city in subsequent years, and communities tailor the experience for their city. Visit each partner page to learn more about what is happening in each city!

FOUNDING PARTNERS

The Bezos Family Foundation supports rigorous, inspired learning environments for young people, from birth through high school, to put their education into action. Through investments in research, public awareness and programs, the foundation works to elevate the field of education and improve life outcomes for all children. Our vision is that all young people are prepared to achieve their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Founded in Aspen, CO, in 1950 and based in Washington, DC, the Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues.

The Aspen Challenge is a part of the Youth & Engagement Programs at the Aspen Institute. Youth & Engagement Programs empower generations of thoughtful, socially-conscious, and diverse young people engaged in solving the critical issues of the day.

SKYLINE

Each year, the Aspen Challenge partners with an urban school district to bring the Aspen Challenge to a new city. Up to 20 schools are invited to participate. Public high schools that have at least 25 percent of students eligible for free/reduced lunch are eligible for participation. While the Aspen Challenge provides inspiration and a platform for young people to address pressing issues, it is also about building engaged communities. When the Aspen Challenge launches in a new city, support from the community is critical to realizing the inspiring work of these young leaders and educators. With local support from grantors and districts, the program continues in each city in subsequent years, and communities tailor the experience for their city. Visit each partner page to learn more about what is happening in each city!

SKYLINE

Each year, the Aspen Challenge partners with an urban school district to bring the Aspen Challenge to a new city. Up to 20 schools are invited to participate. Public high schools that have at least 25 percent of students eligible for free/reduced lunch are eligible for participation. While the Aspen Challenge provides inspiration and a platform for young people to address pressing issues, it is also about building engaged communities. When the Aspen Challenge launches in a new city, support from the community is critical to realizing the inspiring work of these young leaders and educators. With local support from grantors and districts, the program continues in each city in subsequent years, and communities tailor the experience for their city. Visit each partner page to learn more about what is happening in each city!