About

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth—ages 24 and under—on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being.

Get to Know Us

What We Do

Research & Data
Research & Data
Our research prioritizes Indigenous best-practices & assures broad access to data that reflects Native youth from across the country. 
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Our Programs
Our Programs
Our culturally-responsive programs, curriculum and methodologies provide youth with knowledge and skills to grow as change agents.
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Media Mentions
Media Mentions
We are proud to serve as a vessel for Native youth to share their truth through strategic media partnerships.
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News and Updates

Deadline Extended: 2026 Champions for Change
Champions for Change
Oct 27

Deadline Extended: 2026 Champions for Change

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Submissions are OPEN: 2025 Creative Native Call for Art
Creative Native
Aug 28

Submissions are OPEN: 2025 Creative Native Call for Art

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DEI isn’t a Handout. For Some Students, it’s a Lifeline.
Blog
Oct 21

DEI isn’t a Handout. For Some Students, it’s a Lifeline.

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CNAY Offering Microgrant Funding for AK Typhoon Relief Efforts
Democracy Is Indigenous
Oct 15

CNAY Offering Microgrant Funding for AK Typhoon Relief Efforts

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The Importance of Culturally Competent Education
Native Youth
Oct 06

The Importance of Culturally Competent Education

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2025 Remembering Our Sisters Fellows Convene in Washington, DC
Remembering Our Sisters
Oct 01

2025 Remembering Our Sisters Fellows Convene in Washington, DC

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CNAY Mourns Ernie Stevens Jr
General
Sep 27

CNAY Mourns Ernie Stevens Jr

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All News and Updates