The Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship (AYLF) is an extension of the Aspen Institute's core values-based work to develop a global community of entrepreneurial leaders. The Fellowship is a place-based, multi-site initiative that will inform the next generation of local, purpose-driven leaders. Fellows are selected based on signs of strong leadership potential, qualities, behaviors and traits, not the best grades or even school attendance. The Fellowship then translates this potential into reality through intensive values-focused dialogues, community-focused social venture projects, and engagement with current leaders. As new cohorts are selected each year, a cross-section of leaders grows in each community developing a critical mass of leaders in each region.