Aspen Institute Italia University College is an Aspen Institute Italia[1] program for students in the later stages of their university careers. The objective is to contribute to the creation of a value-based leadership in the near future. The program focuses on:
- developing relationships between deserving young people and members of the Institute (representatives of businesses and institutions, non-profit organizations, and Italian and international figures from the academic, political, cultural, and media worlds). This objective is achieved through meetings and courses characterized by interdisciplinary debate and organized using the Aspen method,[2] with priority given to the involvement of the Institute’s Board Members.
- enriching leadership training, reflecting on key issues of the day, and refining the ability to interpret the complex challenges and values of today’s world. Again, this is achieved through participation in specifically dedicated meetings or courses and other events organized by Aspen Institute Italia.[3] To facilitate participation, the courses will be offered online.
Candidates for this program must be nominated by Aspen Italia Board Members or by the Conference of Italian University Rectors. Admission is granted, on a confidential basis, following the Institute’s selection process.
Candidates must be under 23 years of age and must have earned a bachelor’s degree (for 5-year master’s programs, candidates must have completed the third year). Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic performance during their university studies and have an excellent command of English. Any additional qualifications and relevant experience will be taken into account during the evaluation process. Participation in the group ends at age 26.
Enrollment in the Aspen Institute Italia University College is open to all. There are no admission fees and no membership in any specific category is implied, as clarified in the Institute Bylaws. At the end of the calendar year in which a student turns 26, that student ceases to be a member of the Aspen Institute Italia University College group.
Students at the Aspen Institute Italia University College can participate in courses and roundtable discussions designed specifically for them and, by invitation and as observers, in a select number of Aspen Institute Italia events.
Lucio Stanca is President of the group. Current members include students in Italy and elsewhere or young graduates who have recently entered the job market.
Upon completion of their participation in the program and based on the quality of their participation, students of the Aspen Institute Italia University College may be invited to join the Aspen Institute Italia University College Alumni group. This free initiative serves to maintain a relationship between promising former students and the Institute. Membership in the Aspen Institute Italia University College Alumni group ends at the end of the calendar year in which the member turns 30.
The list of current Aspen Institute Italia University College members and further information about the program is available here:
[1] Effective June 10, 2026, Aspen Institute Italia University College will incorporate the Aspen University Fellows program (established by Aspen Institute Italia in 2018), changing its name and expanding its scope.
[2] For further information on the Aspen Method see: https://www.aspeninstitute.it/en/identita-e-missione/
[3] Participation in meetings, courses, or other events offered by the Aspen Institute Italia University College does not provide students with a degree or a certificate that is recognized for academic, university, or competitive examination purposes.
i accademici, universitari o concorsuali.