Aspen Strategy Group Rising Leaders Program 2027 in the USA

The Aspen Strategy Group (ASG) Rising Leaders Program 2027 is a year-long leadership and professional development opportunity for emerging professionals working in national security, foreign policy, diplomacy, international development, human rights, cybersecurity, and related fields.

Organized by the Aspen Strategy Group, part of the Aspen Institute, the program brings together promising professionals to engage with influential policymakers, security experts, academics, and international affairs practitioners. Participants strengthen their leadership skills, examine critical global challenges, and collaborate on policy research and publications.

The program is designed for professionals who have approximately five to ten years of career experience and are ready to contribute to discussions shaping U.S. national security and foreign policy.

Program Benefits

Selected participants will receive access to:

• Free participation: No program participation fee is required.
• Travel and accommodation: Transportation and accommodation are provided for required in-person program events.
• Leadership development: Strengthen strategic thinking, communication, and policy leadership skills.
• Expert discussions: Engage with leading experts and decision-makers in foreign policy and national security.
• Aspen Security Forum: Attend the 2027 Aspen Security Forum in Napa, California, and relevant programming in Washington, DC.
• Leadership seminar: Participate in the multipart Gildenhorn Rising Leaders Aspen Seminar.
• Policy publication: Collaborate with fellow participants to co-author policy papers for publication.
• Professional network: Join a long-term network of professionals working in foreign policy and national security.

Funding note: This is a free professional development program with travel and accommodation provided for designated in-person events. It is not a salaried position or a cash scholarship. Applicants should confirm the coverage arrangements directly with the organizers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green-card holder).
• Have approximately five to ten years of professional experience.
• Be currently employed full-time when applying and throughout the program.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in one or more relevant fields, including national security, foreign policy, diplomacy, international development, human rights, homeland security, or cybersecurity.
• Be able to attend all mandatory in-person events during 2027.
• Be prepared to participate in program activities and collaborative policy research.

Important: Current full-time or part-time students are not eligible until they have completed their studies. The program is intended for working professionals who can commit to the full year.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents may wish to explore the Aspen Institute’s Albright International Leaders Program instead.

Program Schedule

Successful applicants are expected to attend these events:

• March 17–19, 2027: Kick-off event in Washington, DC.
• July 18–20, 2027: Aspen Security Forum in Napa, California.
• December 2027: Rising Leaders programming in Washington, DC.

Additional meetings and workshops take place virtually throughout the year.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• A completed online application form.
• A brief statement of interest.
• One short essay.
• A résumé or CV.
• A recommendation letter from a professional or academic reference who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications.

Candidates shortlisted after the initial review may be invited to a 15-minute interview with members of the selection committee.

Application Deadline

The official application page currently lists the deadline as December 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Applicants should check the live application portal before submitting to confirm the closing time.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Aspen Strategy Group Rising Leaders Program website.
2. Review the eligibility criteria and mandatory event dates.
3. Prepare your résumé, statement of interest, and short essay.
4. Ask a professional or academic reference to submit a recommendation letter through the designated portal.
5. Complete the online application form.
6. Submit all required materials before the deadline.