As Aspen Challenge 2026 took place in Boston and Detroit, between the two cities 39 student teams took on issues affecting their communities. In Boston, teams explored community violence, food insecurity, digital wellness, immigration, and intergenerational cooperation. In Detroit, students focused on substance abuse, food insecurity, community violence, school experience, and digital wellness. Over 10 weeks, they listened, researched, collaborated, and developed solutions before presenting their work at their city’s respective Solution Showcase. 

The culmination of each Challenge came as students shared their projects in front of their peers and to a panel of local community leaders who served as judges. Two teams from Boston and two from Detroit were selected as Grand Prize Winners, earning the opportunity to present their work at the Aspen Ideas Festival last month. While only four teams traveled to Aspen, every team contributed to the greater good of their communities with ideas, conversations, partnerships and solutions that will continue to deepen the connection in their communities. 

Boston’s Grand Prize Winners: 

Boston International Newcomers Academy created Building Resources for Immigrant Dreams, Goals and Education (B.R.I.D.G.E.), a college access playbook designed to help immigrant families navigate the admissions and financial aid process complete with multilingual resources and shared experiences from parents and families who have already been through it. TeachBoston Academy developed We Give a Future, connecting students with workforce opportunities and post secondary pathways to help expand career options and access to  economic opportunity. 

Detroit’s Grand Prize Winners: 

Detroit International Academy for Young Women addressed food insecurity through The Pink Planters, combining fresh produce, nutrition education, and healthy recipes to overcome access barriers to healthy food. Henry Ford High School’s Disconnect to Reconnect Detroit program invited students to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with one another through neighborhood parks, outdoor activities and shared experiences that strengthened friendships and focused on a greater sense of community. 

Student participants from Detroit’s Henry Ford High School reflected on what the Aspen Challenge experience meant to them. 

• What was your favorite part of being in Aspen, Colorado? 

“My favorite part about being in Aspen was the discussion panel where I was able to discuss ideas with like minded individuals. Also, I enjoyed the hikes and beautiful nature. Deeper connections with my team and peers from different backgrounds was amazing.” 

• What did it feel like to be on stage at the Ideas Festival?

“I was so nervous that I started to forget all the things I memorized but with some help from Natty I was motivated and remembered my slides. I’m proud I was able to present in front of a crowd of people (on the stage).”

• Looking at Aspen Challenge as a whole, what was the most profound experience of the program?

“Everybody being together as a community with no hate towards anybody. I love how young teens can come together to make something that can change the world and environment around them.”

Beyond the Challenge

Every season of the Aspen Challenge begins with a critical issue. What follows depends on the students – their curiosity, their willingness to dig deep, and their work to find a path forward. This year’s teams reminded us what’s possible when young people are trusted to take on these challenges in their own communities. Long after the Challenge ends, we hope they’ll carry that confidence, sense of purpose, and belief in their own ability to create change wherever they go next.