Advancing American leadership to meet global challenges
The fundamental aim of the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) is to improve the quality and effectiveness of U.S. leadership in international affairs. For nearly three decades, ICAP has been at the forefront of building a stronger U.S. presence in global engagement—ensuring that its participants are drawn from and reflect the nation’s full range of talent and experience. ICAP equips them with the leadership tools, management skills, professional networks, career-focused strategies, and renewed mentality to re-engage with clarity, purpose, and excellence on the world stage.
Origins and Support
What began in 1997 at the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs with the vision and subsequent hard-work and leadership of Dean Emeritus Tom Rowe has become one of the nation’s most respected professional development programs—one that changes careers, transforms lives, and strengthens our country’s global impact.
Dr. Rowe, during his tenure as Dean, grew increasingly concerned that while schools of global affairs were attracting talented and ambitious students, many exceptional and well-qualified graduates were not advancing into the positions or leadership roles they merited. Recognizing this gap, he became convinced that a professional and leadership development program—designed for individuals already established in their careers—was essential to help emerging mid-career professionals overcome barriers and navigate their paths more effectively across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Upon stepping down as Dean, he founded such a program, which would become the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP).
Throughout the years, the program has been sustained through grants, individual donations, alumni contributions, and institutional sponsorships dedicated to cultivating skilled and globally minded leaders. Its continued success is a testament to the commitment of a broad network of supporters who share ICAP’s vision for expanding participation to ensure excellence in international engagement and leadership.
Who ICAP Serves
ICAP is designed for promising mid-career professionals from across the United States working in the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, nonprofits, NGOs, international organizations, academics, foundations, philanthropies, and related fields. Participants—known as ICAP Fellows—share a common commitment to wider participation in international affairs and to advancing U.S. interests and fostering constructive global relationships through effective leadership, informed decision-making, and a spirit of collaboration. Fellows are dedicated not only to their own professional growth but also to sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities that uplift others and strengthen leadership across sectors.
Program Goals
The International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) program goals are to advance the professional and personal development of mid-career leaders in international affairs through a unique combination of reflection, dialogue, and mentorship. Its primary goals are to:
Provide a trusted environment for dialogue
Offer a safe and supportive space for participants to discuss professional and personal challenges with peers across diverse sectors while exploring alternative approaches to leadership and problem-solving.
Promote reflection and renewal
Integrate a vital self-care component throughout the program—through both ICAP speakers and the Aspen experience—allowing participants to step away from daily pressures, reflect deeply, and return to their roles recharged and reenergized. This holistic approach helps Fellows sustain long-term engagement and balance.
Build lasting connections and a lifelong network
Bring together a diverse cohort of 30 to 40 accomplished professionals from government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors who form meaningful bonds during the Aspen experience and remain connected through a global alumni community of more than 900 ICAP Fellows. This network continues to provide mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support well beyond the program, fostering a lifetime of shared growth and leadership.
Engage distinguished mentors and advisors
Provide access to 20 to 30 senior officials, faculty members, and career counselors who offer personal guidance, mentorship, and sponsorship during and after the Aspen experience.
Strengthen leadership capacity and professional reach
Expand Fellows’ networks across government agencies, Capitol Hill, nonprofits, and the private sector—enhancing their ability to collaborate effectively and achieve impact in their professional roles.
Refine career direction and purpose
Offer career counseling and coaching to help participants clarify their core values, define their professional goals, and identify strategies for achieving them.
Enhance leadership awareness and adaptability
Facilitate discussions on leadership and management styles to help participants assess their own approaches and better navigate the leadership dynamics within their organizations.
Deepen understanding of key policy issues
Provide in-depth engagement with experts on major public policy topics relevant to global leadership and decision-making.
ICAP was established from the vision that the United States can achieve its greatest impact in global affairs when the most talented professionals are empowered to lead, innovate, and shape the world.
Impact and Legacy
Through its sustained commitment to leadership excellence, ICAP’s impact speaks for itself. Over the past three decades, the program has helped hundreds of professionals realize their full potential, strengthening America’s capacity for meaningful engagement in global affairs.
Today, ICAP’s network includes more than 900 alumni—leaders who remain active, connected, and collaborative. They serve as diplomats, executives, Ambassadors, policy analysts, scholars, and advocates across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, exemplifying the far-reaching influence of ICAP’s investment in cultivating capable and ethical leadership for a complex world.
Empower Leaders. Shape the Future.
As ICAP looks ahead, one truth remains clear: the demand for thoughtful, ethical, and capable leadership in global affairs drawn from all segments of the US population has never been greater.
If you’re prepared to take the next step in your career and build the skills to serve the highest levels of U.S. leadership in global affairs, apply to become an ICAP Fellow.
Your generosity helps shape the future of U.S. leadership. Support ICAP fellowships that empower rising professionals to lead with integrity, vision, and impact—strengthening America’s voice in the world.
