that civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development
become a predictable part of thejourney to adulthood for 14 to 24
year olds, across our society and around the world.
Our Mission
The Center for Rising Generations (CRG) is dedicated to ensuring that civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development become a predictable part of the journey to adulthood for 14 to 24 year olds, across our society and around the world.
What we do:
Expand access…
to opportunities for young people everywhere, regardless of where they live, what they believe, or who they are. We aspire to reach those who might not yet know these opportunities exist, or haven’t been invited yet.Connect young people…
To opportunities at CRG, across the Aspen Institute, and throughout the field, because they matter to the young people we serve.Help shape environments...
For youth leadership to thrive by putting young people with decision-makers, shifting narratives on how youth leadership is seen, and building partnerships that open doors.Expand access…
to opportunities for young people everywhere, regardless of where they live, what they believe, or who they are. We aspire to reach those who might not yet know these opportunities exist, or haven’t been invited yet.Connect young people…
To opportunities at CRG, across the Aspen Institute, and throughout the field, because they matter to the young people we serve.Help shape environments...
For youth leadership to thrive by putting young people with decision-makers, shifting narratives on how youth leadership is seen, and building partnerships that open doors.
How CRG Fits Into Aspen
The Center for Rising Generations (CRG) builds on the Aspen Institute’s mission to foster values-based leadership, open-minded dialogue, and real-world impact. Founded in 1949, the Aspen Institute has become a global leader in bringing together diverse voices, sparking bold ideas, and advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges across policy, society, and culture. Through signature leadership seminars, global forums, and innovative programs, the Aspen Institute cultivates communities of purpose-driven leaders committed to positive impact in their sectors and communities.
As a new Center within the Aspen Institute, CRG brings focused attention to the leadership, civic potential, and lived experiences of young people. Made possible by a transformational investment from the Bezos Family Foundation, the Center for Rising Generations exists to embed civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development into the journey to adulthood in the U.S. and around the world. Led by Kaya Henderson, the Center for Rising Generations strengthens and connects the Aspen Institute’s portfolio of youth-serving programs, while also cultivating a global community of practice, supporting new projects, and partnering across sectors to elevate youth voices.
How CRG Fits Into Aspen
The Center for Rising Generations (CRG) builds on the Aspen Institute’s mission to foster values-based leadership, open-minded dialogue, and real-world impact. Founded in 1949, the Aspen Institute has become a global leader in bringing together diverse voices, sparking bold ideas, and advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges across policy, society, and culture. Through signature leadership seminars, global forums, and innovative programs, the Aspen Institute cultivates communities of purpose-driven leaders committed to positive impact in their sectors and communities.
As a new Center within the Aspen Institute, CRG brings focused attention to the leadership, civic potential, and lived experiences of young people. Made possible by a transformational investment from the Bezos Family Foundation, the Center for Rising Generations exists to embed civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development into the journey to adulthood in the U.S. and around the world. Led by Kaya Henderson, the Center for Rising Generations strengthens and connects the Aspen Institute’s portfolio of youth-serving programs, while also cultivating a global community of practice, supporting new projects, and partnering across sectors to elevate youth voices.
By amplifying youth leadership across networks and connecting young people directly to the institutions shaping their communities, CRG extends Aspen’s long history of bringing people together, with young people not just included in the conversation, but equipped to lead it.
By amplifying youth leadership across networks and connecting young people directly to the institutions shaping their communities, CRG extends Aspen’s long history of bringing people together, with young people not just included in the conversation, but equipped to lead it.
Our Programs
The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program is dedicated to improving public education in the United States. The vision is that public education affords every student the opportunities and experiences they need to actively participate in civic life, thrive in the world of work and develop a healthy sense of self, which contributes to social justice and shared economic prosperity.
Founded in 2011, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth — ages 24 and under — on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. All Native youth deserve to lead full and healthy lives, have equal access to opportunity, draw strength from their culture and inspire one another.
Launched in a new U.S. city each year, the Aspen Challenge begins with a forum for students and teachers from partner high schools. At the forum, leaders pioneering change to some of the world’s most pressing issues present challenges to the teams. Equipped with tools and support, teams then design a solution to their selected challenge. Eight weeks later, they present their solutions on stage in a daylong competition, and teams are selected to advance and showcase their work at the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Our Programs
The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program is dedicated to improving public education in the United States. The vision is that public education affords every student the opportunities and experiences they need to actively participate in civic life, thrive in the world of work and develop a healthy sense of self, which contributes to social justice and shared economic prosperity.
Founded in 2011, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth — ages 24 and under — on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. All Native youth deserve to lead full and healthy lives, have equal access to opportunity, draw strength from their culture and inspire one another.
Launched in a new U.S. city each year, the Aspen Challenge begins with a forum for students and teachers from partner high schools. At the forum, leaders pioneering change to some of the world’s most pressing issues present challenges to the teams. Equipped with tools and support, teams then design a solution to their selected challenge. Eight weeks later, they present their solutions on stage in a daylong competition, and teams are selected to advance and showcase their work at the Aspen Ideas Festival.
