Boston Public Schools Students Recognized as Grand Prize Winners in Aspen Challenge: Boston

Students from Boston International Newcomers Academy and TechBoston Academy have been named grand prize winners of the Aspen Challenge: Boston, a program of the Aspen Institute in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

Boston Public Schools Students Recognized as Grand Prize Winners in Aspen Challenge: Boston

BOSTON — Friday, April 17, 2026 — Boston Public Schools (BPS) is proud to announce that students from Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINcA) and TechBoston Academy have been named grand prize winners of the Aspen Challenge: Boston, a program of the Aspen Institute in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation.

The Aspen Challenge: Boston engaged student teams from 15 local public high schools to design solutions regarding pressing issues impacting their communities every day. At the Solution Showcase, teams of approximately eight students presented their projects to a panel of local experts and peers through formal presentations and interactive exhibits.

Over the course of ten weeks, students identified a challenge, conducted research, and implemented solutions addressing topics such as community violence, access to healthy food, social media use, educational access for immigrant families, and intergenerational connection. Each team received $500 in seed funding through the Aspen Challenge to support their work.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“Opportunities like the Aspen Challenge give our students the space to lead, think critically and apply their learning in meaningful ways,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are incredibly proud of all of our students who participated and I extend my congratulations to each of the winning teams for this well-deserved recognition. Their work demonstrates a strong commitment to their communities and a thoughtful approach to addressing real-world challenges. Experiences like this help develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, and support our students in building the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully and pursue a wide range of postsecondary opportunities.”

BINcA’s winning project, Building Resources for Immigrant Dreams, Goals and Education (B.R.I.D.G.E.), is a college access playbook designed to support immigrant families navigating the college application and financial aid process. The resource includes guidance from families who have completed the process, key terminology, cross-cultural comparisons, and tools for community-based workshops.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“Our students understand firsthand the barriers many immigrant families face and they approached this project with both empathy and determination,” said Boston International Newcomers Academy Principal Tony King. “B.R.I.D.G.E. reflects their voices and their commitment to ensuring more families feel informed, supported and confident as they plan for their futures. We are proud of the work they’ve accomplished.”

TechBoston Academy’s winning project, We Give a Future, focuses on preventing community violence by expanding access to postsecondary pathways. Students organized workforce connector events to link graduating seniors with employment opportunities and resources for financial stability and long-term success.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“In many ways, the TechBoston team’s success began after last year’s Aspen Challenge,” said TechBoston Academy Principal Patrick Cleary. “Rather than stepping back, they leaned in. By the summer, they had established a nonprofit, and by the fall, they were building partnerships with major unions. They’ve stayed committed to this work and to creating real opportunities for their peers. While this recognition is significant, what stands out most is the impact they’ve already made. This is a meaningful win not just for our students, but for the broader community.”

In addition to the grand prize winners, several BPS teams were recognized for their work. Another Course to College received the Collaboration Award for their focus on Intergenerational Collaboration, Charlestown High School earned the Community Engagement Award, and New Mission High School was selected for the People’s Choice Award, as voted on by participating students. Charlestown High School and New Mission High School were both recognized for their efforts to improve access to healthy food within their communities.

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“I am incredibly proud of how our students approached this work with a deep respect for the knowledge and experiences across generations,” said Principal of Another Course to College Demitri Curry. “They recognized the value of learning from those who came before them while also uplifting their own voices. This project reflects their ability to build meaningful connections that strengthen both their community and their own sense of purpose.”

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“We are proud of our students for the care and leadership they demonstrated through this project,” said Principal of New Mission High School Kareem Cutler. “They took the time to understand the barriers to accessing healthy food and developed a solution that is both practical and rooted in equity. Their work is a strong example of our school's mission that our students are prepared 'to do well in and for the world,' and they lead change in their community.”

Photo by Annielly Camargo

“We are very proud of our students for taking a thoughtful and community-driven approach to this work,” said Principal of Charlestown High School Ajay Trivedi. “They focused on the needs of those around them and worked collaboratively to develop a solution that reflects both care and accountability. This recognition speaks to their commitment to creating healthier, more equitable outcomes for their community.”

As grand prize winners, students from BINcA and TechBoston Academy will participate in an all-expense-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, held in June at the Aspen Institute’s campus in Aspen. At the Festival, students will present their projects, share their experiences, and highlight their ongoing efforts to address critical issues in their communities. They will be joined by two student teams from Aspen Challenge Detroit, with winners to be announced.

Participating Schools and Challenges:

Another Course to College - Intergenerational Cooperation
Boston Arts Academy - Access to Healthy Food
Boston Green Academy - Navigating phone usage and social media addiction
Boston International Newcomers Academy - Education Opportunities for Immigrants
Boston Latin Academy - Intergenerational Cooperation
Brighton High School - Access to Healthy Food
Charlestown High School - Access to Healthy Food
Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers - Access to Healthy Food
Excel High School - Access to Healthy Food
Fenway High School - Navigating phone usage and social media addiction
Lawrence High School - Education Opportunities for Immigrants
Margarita Muñiz Academy - Education Opportunities for Immigrants
New Mission High School - Access to Healthy Food
TechBoston Academy - Preventing community violence
Somerville High School - Access to Healthy Food

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About Aspen Challenge

The Aspen Challenge is an Aspen Institute initiative that provides inspiration, tools, and a platform for young people to design solutions to some of the most critical problems humanity faces. For more information on Aspen Challenge, please visit www.aspenchallenge.org.

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