Summer at the Korbel School isn’t just a break from the classroom — it’s a launchpad for careers in international affairs and public policy.

During the ten-week break, students can take advantage of Korbel’s connections with government institutions and influential local leaders. Many graduate and undergraduate students participate in summer fellowships, often with the guidance of the Office of Career Professional Development (OCPD) to help with applications and professional introductions. In just one summer, these fellowships can help open doors that kickstart an entire career.

This summer, Mason Rothenberger, Nancy Idehen, and Haley Graham each took on ambitious summer fellowships. From shaping legislation in Denver to engaging with international development in Tanzania, they gained skills and perspective that will shape their careers for years to come.

Mason Rothenberger (BA ’25): Govern for America Fellowship

Mason Rothenberger, a recent graduate who double majored in International Studies and Spanish, is heading into a two-year public service commitment through the Govern for America Fellowship. The competitive program pairs early-career professionals with state agencies to drive impact at the local level.

Rothenberger was elated when she got the news that she’d be starting her post-graduation journey working with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. “Not only do I have the opportunity to analyze housing policy,” Rothenberger said, “but I can engage with stakeholders in a way that is meaningful to them. And I can shape my future path forward, too.”

The Department of Local Affairs plays a crucial role in connecting state and federal funding with local housing initiatives—a perfect fit for Rothenberger’s interests. “They take the state-allocated funds from the federal government and connect smaller projects to that big pool of money. In my division, I’ll focus on housing projects directly.”

For Rothenberger, this opportunity is a perfect chance to make connections and get experience to prepare her for her long-term career goals. Her ultimate goal is to find a government job where she can make education more accessible and sustainable. “If I make the life of at least one child filled with more potential – because they could develop literary skills and get a civic education – then that’s a career that matters in my book.” Her long-term vision is anchored in rebuilding trust in public institutions. “If I can help create a system that people believe in and feel their voice is heard, I could be happy for the rest of my life.”

Nancy Idehen (MA ’26): Urban Leaders Fellowship

For Nancy Idehen, a master’s student in Global Economic Affairs (GEA), the summer is about getting to the heart of policymaking through the Urban Leaders Fellowship. She’s been paired with the Spring Institute in Denver and will spend the summer crafting and shaping real-world policy alongside elected officials.

“Everything seems so exciting. I'm so pumped,” Idehen shared. “I've already ironed what I'm going to wear. I feel like the most exciting part is that we’re working with elected officials and driving policies. Sometimes, there can be a gap between studying and actually getting experience. At Korbel, that’s where the intersection is: policy work. And Korbel is helping me get to do it.”

Beneath her enthusiasm lies deep experience and purpose. Idehen came to DU from Nigeria, where she studied international diplomacy and was active in politics. “My background has always been public policy,” she said. “Back home, I was involved in the political landscape. Here, I’m learning how the U.S. policy system works and getting hands-on experience while doing it. It’s very exciting.”

To Idehen, this work is about bringing ideas into action. “Policy work sounds so abstract,” she said, “but these are things that affect communities and millions of lives. So it is extremely, extremely important.”

Haley Graham (BA ’27): Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)

For second-year undergraduate student Haley Graham, the summer holds an entirely different kind of adventure. A recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) for Swahili, Graham will spend eight weeks in East Africa immersed in intensive language study and cultural exchange.

“I've always wanted to go to Africa since I was a little girl,” she said. “But I never thought I would ever go there while learning. I'm most excited for being with a host family… having that intentional connection with someone who knows the culture and the community really well.”

The CLS program, run by the U.S. State Department and Department of Education, is designed to build language fluency in fields of critical need. Graham is prepared for the challenge: “By week two, they hope I’ll only be speaking Swahili.” Graham, a double major in International Studies and Sociology, traces her passion for language back to her early education. “I grew up learning Spanish, even though neither of my parents speak it,” she said. “Learning languages is a great way to connect to cultures.”

Swahili, though new to her, aligns with her broader goals in immigration law. “The Sub-Saharan Africa diaspora is one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S., but very few lawyers speak Swahili,” she explained. “It makes legal access virtually impossible. I want to help make the legal field more accessible and diverse.”

Denver, Colorado: Connected to the Issues, Grounded in Community

Idehen, Graham, and Rothenberger say the communal focus of Denver and Korbel is ideal for enabling fellowship opportunities like these. Denver offers more than just scenic views—it’s a place where community, civic engagement, and professional development converge. The city’s political complexity and the Korbel School’s collaborative spirit create the perfect environment for fellowships, mentorship, and career exploration.

“I find a lot of joy in Colorado,” Rothenberger shared. “I really like the outdoorsy-ness of the state and the political nuance. I’m a very politically interested person, and there’s a lot going on in Colorado.”

Graham, who works in Korbel’s Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), credits the staff for helping her navigate the path to the CLS Scholarship. “Rae Ann, Gergana, and Jamie were absolutely wonderful in helping me figure out what direction I wanted to go with my application,” she said.

Idehen echoed the sense of connection, citing the strong support she’s received from both faculty and staff. “Denver is a very good place,” she said. “I’ve found community in Korbel. I’ve spoken to professors, administrative staff—people like Debbie Gaylin and Professor Lewis Griffith—and they’ve all helped bridge the gap so I don’t feel out of the loop. I feel like I’m connected and immersed.”

Community at Korbel: Beyond the Classroom, Into the World

At Korbel, the classroom is only the start of the experience for both graduate and undergraduate students alike. Summer interterm is a time for students to tap into the Korbel School's vast network, finding fellowships and scholarships in Denver and around the world. Whether through local housing initiatives, international language programs, or legislative experience, students are making the world a better place while advancing their careers.

Idehen, Graham, and Rothenberger encourage others at Korbel to pursue these summer opportunities—even if they seem intimidating at first—emphasizing how crucial faculty and staff support was to their success. “My essays have grown stronger, and I've definitely narrowed and tailored my focus to what I want to do,” Rothenberger said. “And as for the success aspect of it, don't look at it as a binary. You’re still going to learn even if you don't get the fellowship on the first or second time.”

At the Korbel School, support doesn’t end after you’re admitted — it begins there. Whether navigating career paths, applying for competitive fellowships, or finding a sense of belonging far from home, students know they’re not doing it alone. With dedicated staff, engaged faculty, and a network that spans across Denver and the globe, Korbel empowers students to take bold steps toward public service, global impact, and lifelong purpose.