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.
Ascend at the Aspen Institute is a catalyst and convener for diverse leaders working across systems and sectors to build intergenerational family prosperity and well-being by intentionally focusing on children and the adults in their lives together. We believe in the power of co-creation. We are a community of leaders — well-connected, well-prepared, and well-positioned — to build the political will that transforms hearts, minds, policies, and practices.
Our community of leaders embrace an ambitious and abundant mindset. Across all sectors, we come together under one north star of intergenerational family prosperity and well-being.
Together, we have ignited a movement reaching 15 million families.
Ascend Fellowship
The Ascend Fellowship brings together a diverse cadre of leaders who are well-connected, well-prepared, and powerfully positioned to build the political will, change systems, and drive the policy agenda needed for the prosperity and well-being of all children and families.
The Ascend Network is a community of 600+ organizations advancing 2Gen approaches in policy and practice. Together, we’re creating bold, family-centered solutions that enhance the well-being, educational success, and economic mobility of children and the adults in their lives.
Two-generation (2Gen) approaches build family well-being by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives together. This allows us to design policies and programs that develop holistic, integrated, and equity-focused solutions.
We champion the success of more than four million student parents enrolled in postsecondary education by removing barriers, uplifting their voices, and advancing policies and practices that support their educational journey.
Our biennial gathering of Ascend Fellows brings entrepreneurial dreamers and doers together from across the country. These leaders are ready to do what it takes to create the world our children and families deserve.
Courageous leaders from across the country gather for an opportunity to advance bold, equitable, and pragmatic strategies for building prosperity and well-being for all families.
We gather the leading 2Gen practitioners together so that together we can dive into front-edge 2Gen solutions and deepen our collective impact for family economic well-being.
Access hundreds of free and evidence-informed materials to advance your work supporting children and their families. Below are just a few of our most popular reports.
