Aspen Education: Youth Advisory Partners (YAP) Application

The Aspen Education & Society Program is inviting exceptional young leaders to apply for the Youth Advisory Partners (YAP) role within the Rising Generations Strategy Group. This initiative is designed to elevate youth voices in shaping the future of K-12 education across the United States.

Unlike traditional advisory roles, YAP members are not junior contributors. Instead, they serve as equal partners, working alongside C-suite executives, military leaders, and senior policymakers. This is a rare opportunity for young changemakers to directly influence high-level policy discussions and strategic decision-making.

  Purpose of the Program

The Rising Generations Strategy Group brings together approximately 30 national leaders from diverse sectors, including:

• Military
• Technology
• Education
• Civics
• Policy
• Nonprofit organizations

The goal is to ensure that youth perspectives are integrated into conversations about the future of education. By engaging young leaders, the Aspen Institute seeks to build a more inclusive, forward-thinking approach to K-12 systems.

  Who Should Apply?

The program is open to young leaders aged 18–24 who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to improving education.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Lived experience in K-12 systems, offering authentic insights into challenges and opportunities.
• Leadership aptitude, with a proven track record of initiative and measurable impact.
• Reliability and follow-through, demonstrated in prior commitments.
• Sound judgment and discretion, especially when handling sensitive information.
• Effective communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences in high-pressure settings.
• Conflict navigation abilities, with the capacity to manage differing viewpoints productively.

  Application Details

Applications are open until: January 25, 2026 (11:59 PM)

Required Information:

Applicants must provide the following details in the application form:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• City and State of Residence
• Current Role and/or Affiliations (e.g., student, organization, company, military branch)

 Diversity and Representation

The Aspen Education & Society Program emphasizes diversity and inclusion. Applicants are asked to identify their race and/or ethnicity to ensure the Rising Generations Strategy Group reflects a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Options include:

• American Indian/Alaska Native
• Asian
• Black or African American
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• White
• African Caribbean
• Latin American
• Hispanic
• Other (self-identification option)

 Educational Background

Applicants should describe their K-12 educational background, selecting all that apply:

• Traditional public school
• Charter school
• Private school (secular)
• Private school (religious)
• Homeschool
• Alternative/vocational program
• Virtual/online school
• Prefer not to say / Don’t know

  Geographic Background

Candidates are also asked to indicate the setting that best describes where they spent most of their K-12 years:

• Urban
• Suburban
• Rural
• Multiple settings
• Prefer not to say / Don’t know
• Other (self-identification option)

  Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old at the time of application.
• They should have direct experience with K-12 education systems.
• They must demonstrate commitment to leadership and policy engagement.

 

 Why Apply?

Becoming a Youth Advisory Partner offers:

• A chance to influence national education policy.
• Opportunities to collaborate with senior leaders across multiple sectors.
• A platform to share lived experiences and ensure youth voices are heard.
• Professional growth through exposure to strategic decision-making processes.
• Networking with peers and mentors who are equally committed to education reform.

  Key Takeaways

• Deadline: January 25, 2026
• Eligibility: Ages 18–24, with lived K-12 experience
• Commitment: Equal partnership with senior leaders
• Focus: Diversity, leadership, and authentic youth perspectives

The Aspen Education Youth Advisory Partners program is more than an advisory role, it is a leadership opportunity for young changemakers to shape the future of education. By joining, applicants will not only contribute to meaningful policy discussions but also gain invaluable experience working alongside some of the nation’s most influential leaders.

This is a call to action for young leaders who are ready to step into the arena of education reform and ensure that the voices of their generation are represented at the highest levels. Apply now.