Celebrating 70 Years
Seventy years of youth leadership across the United States. Scroll the decades on the right, then join us in Chicago to honor alumni, members, and partners who keep the movement growing.
Chicago · October 17, 2026
Years of AIESEC in the United States
Active AIESEC Members
Countries & Territories Worldwide
Alumni Worldwide
Seventy years ago, AIESEC in the United States took a chance on young people.
The idea was simple: if students had the opportunity to live, work, volunteer, and lead in another country, they would come home with a broader perspective and the confidence to create positive change in their own communities.
That belief has shaped thousands of lives.
Maybe AIESEC gave you your first leadership role. Maybe it was your first international experience, your first team, or your first opportunity to discover what you were capable of. Whatever your story is, someone believed in you before you believed in yourself.
Now it's our turn to do the same.
As AIESEC in the United States celebrates 70 years, we're launching The 70 Campaign with one goal: raise $70,000 to make 70 exchange experiences possible for the next generation of young leaders.
Every donation helps a student say "yes" to an opportunity that could change their life forever.
If AIESEC has ever been part of your story, this is your chance to help write someone else's.
Give forward. Be someone's first yes.
AIESEC US Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt not-for-profit organization. Contributions to this organization are tax deductible to the full extent of the IRS laws.
Since AIESEC in the United States was established in 1956 at Columbia University, our organization has been at the forefront of developing young leaders through cross-cultural experiences, practical learning, and a commitment to positive impact. This milestone celebration brings together alumni, current members, and partners to honor our shared legacy and look ahead to the future.
October 17, 2026
TBA
Chicago, Illinois
In-person celebration event
Alumni reunion: reconnect with fellow AIESECers from across generations
Celebration ceremony: honoring 70 years of youth leadership in the United States
Networking: meet current members, alumni, and partners
Legacy stories: hear from leaders who shaped AIESEC US over the decades
Looking forward: celebrate the next chapter of AIESEC in the United States
AIESEC's global story started in 1948. AIESEC in the United States was established in 1956 at Columbia University, and 70 years later, we're celebrating that legacy.
1948
AIESEC was established in 1948 after World War II, where seven youth across seven countries had a dream of building cross-cultural understanding across nations. They hoped to change the world, one person and one internship at a time.
1956
AIESEC in the United States was established in 1956 at Columbia University, bringing the global youth leadership movement to American campuses. From that founding moment, generations of students have developed into value-driven leaders who create positive impact across the nation and the world.
1977
By 1977, AIESEC was present in 50 countries across six continents! To this date, over 40,000 young people around the world had participated in a leadership development experience, with AIESEC in the United States playing a vital role in that global growth.
2010
In 2010, AIESEC crossed 10,000 experiences delivered in one year alone for the first time. By then, over 230,000 experiences had been provided, all facilitated by youth for youth. This was a milestone the United States chapter helped drive forward.
2015
In 2015, AIESEC's youth leaders from 126 countries and territories, in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, gathered at the United Nations Headquarters to promote youth participation in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The relevance and contribution of AIESEC, including in the United States, is clearer than ever.
2020
AIESEC is a global network of people that simply believe youth leadership is not an option, but our responsibility. Across the United States, that belief continues to guide every local chapter, every exchange, and every leader we develop.
2026
Seventy years after AIESEC in the United States was established at Columbia University, we gather to celebrate the alumni, members, and partners who have built this legacy, and to look ahead to the next chapter of youth leadership in America.
Key facts about the AIESEC United States 70th Anniversary celebration in Chicago.
The AIESEC United States 70th Anniversary marks seven decades since AIESEC in the United States was established in 1956 at Columbia University. The celebration brings together alumni, members, and partners.
The event is scheduled for October 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Time and venue details will be shared with registrants and on this page as they are confirmed.
The celebration is organized by AIESEC United States Inc. (AIESEC US), a 501(c)(3) youth-led nonprofit. It is distinct from other US nonprofit anniversary campaigns.
The 70 Campaign aims to raise $70,000 to make 70 exchange experiences possible for the next generation of young leaders across AIESEC in the United States.
Alumni, current members, partners, and friends of AIESEC US are welcome. Registration and partner opportunities are shared on this page as they open.
AIESEC US focuses on youth leadership through international volunteering, internships, teaching exchanges, and local chapter membership—connecting US youth to a global AIESEC network in 110+ countries, with US roots dating to 1956.
Learn more about AIESEC United States, explore Global Volunteer, Global Talent, Global Teacher, or join a local chapter.
Absolutely! You can still support us by spreading the word about our campaign to other AIESECers you know.
If you want to support AIESEC, please email donate@aiesecus.org with your name and contact information, and we will reach out to get started.
Yes! AIESEC United States is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You will automatically receive a donation receipt by email.
Absolutely. You can choose to give monthly or annually. Recurring donations help us plan ahead and provide more sustainable support for the next generation of AIESEC leaders.
100% of your contribution supports The 70 Campaign, raising $70,000 to make 70 exchange experiences possible for the next generation of young leaders across AIESEC in the United States.
Members go through a competitive application and selection process. Support is awarded to those who demonstrate strong leadership potential, commitment to AIESEC's mission, and financial need.
You can still support us by spreading the word and connecting us with companies and partners who might be interested in supporting youth leadership development.
We accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, checks, ACH transfers, and employee-matching gifts through corporate programs.
AIESEC accepts grants, checks, in-kind, and employee-matching gifts from corporations that are aligned with our mission and values. Please email donate@aiesecus.org with your company name and contact information, and we will reach out to get started.
Definitely. A company can directly sponsor one or multiple exchange experiences, and we will feature them as official supporters of The 70 Campaign and AIESEC US youth leadership programs.
We welcome support from anyone who believes in youth leadership. Please email donate@aiesecus.org with your name and contact information, and we will reach out to get started.
Please contact donate@aiesecus.org or call (212) 757-3774, and we will be in touch to get started.
