Young people are already leading change in their communities, classrooms, workplaces, creative industries, and entrepreneurial ventures. Yet, many national conversations about the future rarely include those who will actually shape and experience it.

To address this gap, the Aspen Institute is launching Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations, the first youth-centered event in the 21-year history of the Aspen Ideas Festival. Scheduled to take place from November 13–16, 2026, in Bentonville, Arkansas, this groundbreaking event is designed entirely by and for young people.

The four-day gathering will bring together 350 outstanding young adults from across the United States to engage in meaningful conversations, explore today’s most pressing issues, exchange perspectives, and collaborate on ideas that can influence the future.

One of the most attractive features of the event is that accepted participants attend completely free of charge, with travel, accommodation, meals, and all programming fully funded.

Application Deadline

Deadline: July 29, 2026

About Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations

Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations is a new initiative created by the Aspen Institute as an extension of the renowned Aspen Ideas Festival.

For more than 21 years, the Aspen Ideas Festival has served as a platform where influential thinkers, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders gather to discuss the world’s biggest challenges.

For the first time, this prestigious platform is creating an event that belongs entirely to young adults.

Rather than asking young people to observe conversations, Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations places them at the center of every discussion.

The event has been developed alongside the Center for Rising Generations Youth Advisory Council, ensuring that every discussion, workshop, and experience reflects issues that matter most to today’s generation.

Why Attend Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations?

Successful applicants will participate in:

• Four days of immersive learning
• Interactive discussions
• Leadership conversations
• Networking opportunities
• Cross-cultural dialogue
• Collaborative workshops
• Creative experiences
• Thought-provoking sessions
• Community-building activities
• Meaningful exchanges with peers from across the United States

Participants will join a diverse community representing different experiences, viewpoints, identities, and life journeys.

What the Festival Covers

Accepted participants receive full financial support, including:

• Round-trip travel
• Accommodation
• Meals throughout the event
• Full access to all festival sessions
• Workshops
• Interactive experiences
• Festival programming

There is no cost for accepted participants.

Event Details

• Event: Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations
• Location: Crystal Bridges, Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
• Festival Dates: November 13–16, 2026
• Participants: 350 young people
• Age Requirement: 18–24 years
• Funding: Fully funded

Themes and Discussion Tracks

Participants will select and engage in one of four major tracks that reflect issues shaping the future.

1. Code + Conscious

This track explores technology and artificial intelligence from the perspective of young people already living in an increasingly digital world.

Topics include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Algorithms
• Digital platforms
• Technology ethics
• Future innovation
• Responsible technology

Participants will examine how technology should serve people while engaging with perspectives that differ from their own.

2. Earn + Build

Designed for young entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and professionals interested in economic systems.

Conversations include:

• Entrepreneurship
• Careers
• Wealth creation
• Housing
• Education
• Employment
• Economic opportunity
• Community development

Participants will exchange ideas with peers from different economic and social backgrounds.

3. Make + Move

Focused on culture as a driver of change.

Discussions include:

• Music
• Art
• Storytelling
• Creativity
• Media
• Identity
• Language
• Cultural expression

The track recognizes creativity as a powerful force for dialogue and societal transformation.

4. Spirit + Purpose

A space for exploring meaning, belief, and personal purpose.

Participants from diverse faith traditions and worldviews—including religious and non-religious perspectives—will discuss:

• Faith
• Values
• Identity
• Purpose
• Belonging
• Personal growth
• Dialogue across differences

Why This Festival Matters

Young people are already:

• Launching businesses
• Creating artistic movements
• Building communities
• Organizing civic initiatives
• Solving local challenges
• Leading conversations about the future

Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations provides a national platform where these efforts can grow through dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning.

The festival emphasizes listening across differences and creating space for respectful conversations that generate innovative ideas.

Venue

The event will take place at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The venue offers:

• A world-class museum campus
• Outdoor sculpture installations
• Connected pavilions
• Five miles of Ozark forest trails
• Open-air gathering spaces
• Natural environments designed for reflection and collaboration

Located in the heart of the country, Bentonville provides an inspiring setting for conversations that encourage fresh perspectives.

Who Should Apply?

The Aspen Institute encourages applications from young people who are already making a difference in any capacity, including:

• Community organizers
• Students
• Entrepreneurs
• Volunteers
• Artists
• Innovators
• Civic leaders
• Creators
• Youth advocates
• Emerging professionals

Applicants do not need:

• A college degree
• University enrollment
• Prestigious credentials
• Institutional affiliations
• A specific career background

The selection process values authentic perspectives and demonstrated commitment over academic achievements or résumés.

Selection Process

The application process consists of three stages:

Step 1: Submit an Application

Applicants should explain:

• Who they are
• What issues matter to them
• Why they want to participate

The organizers encourage honest, authentic responses rather than trying to guess what reviewers want to hear.

Step 2: Holistic Review

Applications are reviewed with the goal of assembling a diverse cohort of 350 participants representing different backgrounds, beliefs, and lived experiences.

Selection focuses on:

• Perspective
• Curiosity
• Commitment
• Diversity of experience

Rather than:

• GPA
• Prestige
• Academic rankings

Step 3: Attend the Festival

Accepted participants receive complete funding covering:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Festival participation

Participants are expected to engage actively and respectfully throughout the event.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 24 years old
• Be based in the United States
• Submit their own application
• Demonstrate a desire to contribute to conversations shaping the future

No specific:

• Degree
• Academic field
• Professional background
• Organization affiliation

is required.

Apply Here

Why You Should Apply

Aspen Ideas: Rising Generations is more than a conference—it is an opportunity to join a nationwide community of young leaders who are committed to creating meaningful change.

Whether your passion lies in technology, entrepreneurship, public service, the arts, civic engagement, or community leadership, this event provides an environment where ideas become action through collaboration, dialogue, and shared learning.

With all expenses covered, participants can focus entirely on learning, connecting, and contributing to conversations that will shape tomorrow.

If you are passionate about the future and eager to engage with peers from across the United States, this fully funded opportunity is one you should not miss.

For more information, visit the official website

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