A PROJECT OF THE SUN VALLEY POLICY FORUM
THE HEADWATERS SOCIETY
The future of American leadership begins upstream.
PLANNED LAUNCH: JANUARY 1, 2027 SUBJECT TO FUNDING
The Headwaters Society is SVPF’s young leaders initiative, preparing promising people to lead with character, judgment, and a commitment to individual liberty, free enterprise, and American opportunity. It connects emerging talent with accomplished leaders, serious ideas, and lasting relationships.
The Headwaters Society Institute
The flagship Headwaters Summer Consortium, in partnership with the University of Austin Texas (UATX), takes its name from the convergence of leading liberty minded organizations. The consortium will bring 16 hand-selected, young leaders to Sun Valley for two weeks of residential study in public policy, America’s founding, and political thought.
Additional institute programming will impact 40 rising young leaders including young leader evenings alongside the Fall Symposium, Winter Summit, the Freedom Summit for K–12 students, and potential future gatherings for working young leaders in America’s centers of influence. All flagship events are free to attendees under age 25, ensuring that the next generation has access to the ideas, conversations, and leaders shaping America’s future.
Investment: $130,000-$145,000 to launch
Initial Impact: 56 Young Leaders
Headwaters Fellows
An inaugural class of three rising professionals will join SVPF for 6 months in 2027 in Sun Valley and engage in its programming season. Selected for character, initiative, curiosity, and promise across fields, fellows will gain access to mentors, small-group conversations, and peers who strengthen their capacity to lead with integrity.
Investment: $100,000-$125,000 to launch
Initial Impact: 3 Young Leaders
Headwaters Internships
Three annual cohorts - virtual in the fall and spring, and in person in Sun Valley during the summer - will offer hands-on experience supporting SVPF’s work and engaging with its ideas and community. Fall and spring interns will travel to an SVPF event during their internship. Young scholars will be equipped to return to their campuses and careers with a stronger grounding in individual liberty, free enterprise, and personal responsibility.
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Investment: $40,000-$50,000 to launch
Initial Impact: 9 Young Leaders
Help Launch the Inaugaral Year
Founding gifts will support participants and programming. Your investment will help connect the next generation with the people, principles, and opportunities that prepare them to lead.
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Capital Investment to Launch: $320,000
Initial Impact in Launch Year: 68 Young Leaders.
