For the third year, the Aspen Institute hosted the festival in Aspen, Colo., as a way to engage public high school juniors and educators. According to its Web site, the festival draws speakers from a variety of fields from around the world. The program features four different weeklong tracks and 11 four-day tracks.

“It was humbling, but at the same time, I was star-struck,” Donivon said.

He attended forums on numerous topics. He remembers meeting leaders he is now learning about in government class.

The TAG senior said the most memorable speaker was Sam Harris, a best-selling author and Stanford University graduate.

“I’d never heard a person speak so candidly about religion,” he said. “It’s a touchy subject. I wanted to argue with him. I thought it was honorable for him to speak out.”

Donivon had considered not returning for his final year, Mr. Correa said, but the festival refreshed him.

“It had a big impact on my career path,” he said.