Students Across LA Collaborate on Bold Solutions for the First-Ever Aspen Challenge

The Aspen Institute and Bezos Family Foundation with Los Angeles Unified School District launch February 22-23 forum featuring renowned leaders

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The inaugural Aspen Challenge--a project of the Aspen Institute, in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation--launches today with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Two hundred students, teachers and principals from 20 high schools across the city will develop leadership skills, collaborate with peers, and be inspired by leading global visionaries, artists and entrepreneurs as they design powerful solutions to some of our world's most pressing issues. This seven-week program culminates on April 13 when teams compete to win a chance to take the stage at the acclaimed Aspen Ideas Festival in June 2013.

The Aspen Challenge begins with a two-day forum at the California Science Center, February 22 and 23, featuring leaders tackling some of our world's toughest problems--from ocean and water issues to food deserts to the challenges and potential of social media. Presenters will share personal stories within the context of a pressing global issue they are tackling--challenging teams to create an innovative solution to the problem they spotlight.

Featured presenters include former astronaut and pilot of the space shuttle Endeavour Jeff Ashby; cofounder and chief education and strategy officer of Common Sense Media Linda Burch; world-famous ballroom dancer, arts activist, and educator Pierre Dulaine; renowned oceanographer David Gallo; entrepreneur and inventor Dean Kamen; 1989 Tiananmen Square student protests leader and current investment banker Li Lu; chef and co-founder of Revolution Foods, Inc. Kristin Groos Richmond; filmmaker and creator of Webby Awards Tiffany Shlain; actress, playwright, and Aspen Institute Trustee Anna Deveare Smith; Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa; and cofounder and partner at The Experiment Fund Hugo Van Vuuren. To learn more about the presenters visit the website.