Global Philanthropy in Action at Aspen High School
At Action in Africa, we often say that our roots matter just as much as our reach. And nowhere is that more evident than at Aspen High School, the place where Action in Africa began.
Twenty years ago, Founder and Executive Director Sarah Nininger and her classmates had a big idea: that students could play a meaningful role in global change. What began as a grassroots effort to raise awareness and funds has since grown into a multi-million dollar organization impacting thousands of lives in Uganda.
And yet, the heart of that original vision still beats strongly within the Aspen High School club today.
Carrying the Torch Forward
This year, that legacy has been carried forward by two exceptional student leaders: Sylvan Doyle and Chloe Axelman, co-presidents of the club and graduating seniors.
Throughout the year, they have gone beyond organizing meetings or events. They have built community, inspired their peers, and deepened the connection between Aspen and Nakuwadde, Uganda. Their leadership reflects what makes this club so special. It is not just about participation, but about ownership, purpose, and impact.
From fundraising efforts to storytelling and community engagement, Sylvan and Chloe led the charge during Giving Tuesday, raising $7,000 to full fund our Medical Outreach clinics at The Center.
Another standout moment was a creative, student-led fundraiser that brought the school community together in a tangible way. The club organized an initiative where club members assembled water bottles filled with goodies for standardized testing. Parents purchased the bottles for their students, turning a simple idea into meaningful impact. In total, the effort raised $400 in support of Action in Africa’s programs.
More Than a Club
The Aspen High School chapter is not just a school club. It is the foundation of a movement.
Since its earliest days, the club has helped raise awareness, mobilize resources, and connect students in Colorado to a global community. Over the years, students have stepped into leadership roles, organized events, and even traveled to Uganda to experience the impact firsthand.
What makes this model so powerful is its simplicity. When young people are trusted with responsibility and given a platform, they rise to meet it.
Looking Ahead
As Sylvan and Chloe graduate, they join a growing network of alumni who carry this experience into the next chapter of their lives.
And as new students step into leadership roles, the cycle continues.
From one high school classroom in Aspen to a thriving community in Uganda, this story is still being written—one student, one leader, and one act of impact at a time.
