Bennet Hosts Conversations With Colorado’s Next Generation About Building a Future They Can Thrive In

About About Michael Legislation News Press Releases Social Media Newsletter Archive Services Priorities Top Issues Child Tax Credit Investing in Colorado Contact Map Español Acerca de Michael Escribe a Michael Prioridades Servicios Visitando D.C. Bennet Hosts Conversations With Colorado’s Next Generation About Building a Future They Can Thrive In Denver — This week, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet hosted two conversations with Colorado’s next generation, one with young professionals through CiviCO’s Civic Pop-Up Series and another with students in an AP Government class at Vista PEAK Preparatory School in Aurora. The conversations focused on a simple question: What should the government do for the next […] Sep 4, 2026 | Press Releases Denver — This week, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet hosted two conversations with Colorado’s next generation, one with young professionals through CiviCO’s Civic Pop-Up Series and another with students in an AP Government class at Vista PEAK Preparatory School in Aurora. The conversations focused on a simple question: What should the government do for the next generation, and how do we make sure it delivers? What does the American Dream look like for their generations? For younger generations, the path to a good life is getting harder. Housing costs have risen sharply and many young people are finding that buying a home, building a career, and starting a family is more difficult than it was for previous generations. The people at these events shared the perspective that the institutions and systems shaping their lives were built for a different time and do not reflect the challenges they face today. They want to know what their government can do to address those challenges and whether it can deliver meaningful results. “Colorado is the best state in the country. But everywhere I go, I hear people who are working hard and still finding it harder to get ahead,” said Bennet. “For younger generations, some of the milestones that previous generations were able to take for granted, like buying a home, building a career, or starting a family, can feel much further out of reach. I am optimistic about our ability to change that and build an American Dream for the next generation.” Bennet said the government has a role to play, but it cannot do this alone. Building a stronger future will require people who are willing to get involved, try new things, build their communities, and speak up when they see something that needs to change. “Young people are going to live with the decisions we make today,” said Bennet. “We owe it to them to pay attention and learn what it is like to be a young person growing up in Colorado, what you are excited about, what concerns you, and what you think we could do differently.” At CiviCO, Bennet joined young professionals for a conversation about leadership, civic participation, and the challenges facing their generation. CiviCO brings together leaders from the private sector, philanthropy, and communities across Colorado. The conversation was part of CiviCO’s Civic Pop-Up Series, which brings Colorado leaders together with community members to discuss issues facing the state. The event was hosted in partnership with the Boettcher Foundation, with Omni serving as the convening partner. “We’re in a moment that demands less performance and more listening. Senator Bennet modeled that yesterday, and the room responded. The Coloradans in that room were transparent, vulnerable, and honest. They want to be part of this. Yesterday gave them a place to begin,” said D.J. Whetter, Managing Director, CiviCO from Omni. At Vista PEAK Preparatory School, Bennet joined Ms. Scott’s AP Government class for a conversation about civic engagement and students’ vision for a stronger Colorado and country. Bennet opened the discussion by asking students what their biggest concerns for the future are and what they believe could make a positive difference for themselves, their families, and their communities. “It’s encouraging to hear Senator Bennet recognize the challenges younger generations are facing and take accountability for the decisions that helped create them,” said Lawrence Temple III, a student in Ms. Scott’s AP Government class at Vista PEAK Preparatory School. “He said our generation should be an influencing force in politics and government sooner rather than later. It makes me want to be more knowledgeable and learn more so that I can have a say in what happens next.” ### Contact Info 261 Russell Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-5852 Fax: 202-228-5097 View State Offices Resources Write to Michael Get Help with a Federal Agency Visiting DC Investing in Colorado Map ©2026 U.S. Senate. All Rights Reserved.  | Privacy Policy Follow Follow Follow Follow Follow