In the early months of 2025, a spark ignited in two cities—San Diego and Boston—as students stepped into a space rarely offered to them: one where their voices could lead, their ideas could flourish, and their visions could become tangible solutions. This was the Aspen Challenge.

At the Challenge Forums, teams of high school students gathered to choose a real-world issue to tackle—topics that affect their neighborhoods, their families, and their futures. From gun violence and mental health to housing access and environmental equity, the range was vast, but the goal was the same: create change.

For eight intense weeks, these students researched, built partnerships, challenged norms, and shaped ideas into action. They approached each issue with a lens that only youth can provide—honest, creative, and fearless. Then, in a moment of culmination, they took the stage at their city’s Solutions Showcase. There, under bright lights and before a panel of judges, every team presented their journey, their impact, and their hope.

Four teams emerged as Grand Prize Winners: three from Boston and one from San Diego. Their reward? A trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival in June—an opportunity not just to present their solutions on a national stage, but to join a global conversation about the future.

In Boston, a City Responds to Gun Violence and Mental Health

At Excel High School, a bold idea took shape: a red chair. More than a symbol, the Red Chair campaign became a call to action—an emotional reminder of lives lost to gun violence. Students wrote and performed an original song, filmed a moving music video, and started conversations that echoed beyond the walls of their school.

At Margarita Muñiz Academy, the team created a playbook for dialogue, working with local law enforcement and community organizations to host a public panel that drew more than 350 attendees. Their goal was simple, yet powerful: create spaces where people could talk—and listen.

At the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers, a bold response took shape: Streetlight. Sparked by a challenge to support unhoused youth, students launched a toll-free texting service that does more than connect peers to homework help and housing resources—it opens a pathway to care, community, and hope.

For Angelica M. of Excel High School, the experience was transformative. “Turning our plans into action and using our talents to create a powerful movement—that was my favorite part.” And of her time in Aspen? “Hiking near the Maroon Mountains was incredible—the view, the bonding, the pictures… all of it.”

Aracely D. recalled the quiet moments: “Those quiet moments in [Aspen] nature helped us bond as a group and reminded me that we were part of something bigger than ourselves.”

For Mobarack S., the true reward came later: “The most rewarding thing was coming back to Boston, running into Mayor Wu, and having her praise and back our ideas.”

In San Diego, A Campaign for Courage and Inclusion

At San Diego MET High School, students focused their efforts on building brave spaces for open conversations about substance use—especially within LGBTQIA+ communities. Through local partnerships, they created an inclusive, youth-centered campaign that encouraged dialogue, support, change, and—of course—tea.

Veronica R., a student from the MET team, reflected on the mix of nerves and pride she felt at the Aspen Ideas Festival. “To be on stage was nerve-wracking, but it also felt great to present our initiative to people who genuinely cared. I’m proud of what we created—but also proud that I pushed myself to do something outside my comfort zone.”

Other students remembered the magic of Aspen itself. One student shared, “My favorite part was the trails—the beauty of nature, and the chance to connect with my team in a different way.” Another found inspiration in the Festival’s energy: “The sense of community, the innovative conversations… it all felt like a launching pad for real action back home.”

One participant put it simply: “Being on stage was terrifying and humbling. But it was an honor to share our story with such a passionate audience.”

A Stage Shared, A Vision Carried Forward

Across both cities, a clear truth emerged: when young people are trusted to lead, they rise. They bring perspectives rooted in lived experience, and solutions shaped by compassion, courage, and clarity.

The Aspen Ideas Festival was a milestone—a moment of recognition. But the real legacy lives on in Boston classrooms, in San Diego neighborhoods, and in the communities that felt the ripple effects of student-led action.

As the curtain falls on Aspen Challenge 2025, a new chapter waits in the wings. In 2026, the Challenge returns to Boston—and welcomes Detroit as its newest partner city.

The work continues. The ideas grow. And the voices of youth carry forward, louder and more powerful than ever.