Articles / Leadership Program of the Rockies: Elite Training for Emerging Leaders
Development, Training & CoachingDiscover the Leadership Program of the Rockies - a prestigious 9-month leadership development program focusing on founding principles and free market capitalism.
Written by Laura Bouttell
The Leadership Program of the Rockies (LPR) trains emerging leaders in America's founding principles and teaches leadership skills necessary to impact public policy. Since its founding in 2003, this Colorado-based leadership institute has developed over 2,700 graduates who have become local and national elected officials, federal judges, presidential cabinet members, and prominent leaders in business and education.
Bottom Line Up Front: The Leadership Program of the Rockies is a competitive 9-month leadership development program that costs £3,295 in tuition, limits enrolment to 65 students annually, and focuses on constitutional principles and free-market economics to develop civic leaders.
The Leadership Program of the Rockies is America's premier institute to develop, strengthen, train and equip emerging leaders to reach new heights. This non-profit educational organisation identifies and brings together emerging leaders from legal, economic, business, political, nonprofit and civic professions to learn how visionary, principle-centred leadership can positively impact their communities.
Unlike typical leadership seminars, LPR operates as a comprehensive leadership development system that the organisation calls the "Proximity Impact Model." This approach recruits prospective influencers, teaches them critical elements of freedom, and then enables alumni to educate and activate others within their spheres of influence.
LPR's philosophy is firmly rooted in the classical-liberal traditions of the American Revolution and America's Founding Fathers. The program emphasises:
The Leadership Program of the Rockies consists of nine full-day sessions, held the second Friday of each month from October through June. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by optional networking events.
Monthly Session Topics Include:
Each year, the Leadership Program of the Rockies hosts its legendary annual retreat at the spectacular Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. This event brings together national speakers, conservative thought leaders, and the entire LPR alumni network for intensive workshops and networking opportunities.
The retreat features panel presentations, interaction with top officials, and renowned speakers from across the conservative movement. It's described as an annual "who's who" of capitalist leadership and political conservatism.
Anyone may apply who is interested in making a difference in his or her community. LPR seeks motivated, capable men and women from diverse professional backgrounds from all geographic areas. The program attracts professionals from:
The selection process is highly competitive. Hundreds throughout Colorado apply every year. Only 65 are selected. The application requirements include:
Applications typically open during summer months, with selections announced following the interview process.
Regular tuition for the 2025-2026 class is £3,295 and may increase in subsequent years. The actual cost per class member is £7,500. The significant difference between tuition and actual cost reflects the program's substantial fundraising efforts to subsidise participant expenses.
Financial Details:
When I applied, I was a single parent, and among other reasons, I was unsure if I could financially make the program work. I will forever be grateful to LPR for believing in me, and giving me a shot through the help of a scholarship. This testimonial reflects LPR's commitment to making the program accessible regardless of economic circumstances.
As a member of this high-caliber network, you will also be exposed to over 2,700 graduates. The alumni network spans across Colorado and increasingly nationwide as the program expands to other states.
Participants develop crucial capabilities including:
LPR alumni have become local and national elected officials, top state leaders, federal judges, presidential cabinet members, and prominent movers in the arenas of political process, policy change, business and education.
Notable Alumni Achievements:
The Rocky Mountain region hosts several leadership development programs, each serving different audiences and philosophies:
Leadership Program of the Rockies:
Rocky Mountain Leadership Program (UC Denver):
Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership (RIHEL):
LPR's unique "Proximity Impact Model" sets it apart from traditional leadership programs. Rather than simply developing individual leaders, the program creates a network effect where graduates influence their spheres, creating what they term an "Army for Freedom."
Although many graduates have successfully pursued elective office, the program is not specifically about politics but about building responsible citizen leaders across every sector of society. While the program is officially non-partisan, its philosophical orientation clearly aligns with conservative and libertarian principles.
Participating entails a true commitment to the program, to your classmates and to putting the program's lessons to practical use after graduation. The program requires:
The program maintains selectivity with hundreds of applicants competing for 65 positions annually. The selection committee evaluates applicants based on leadership potential, community involvement, professional accomplishments, and commitment to the program's principles.
While historically Colorado-focused, LPR decided in 2019 to expand to other states, beginning with Connecticut. The organisation has launched the Charter Oak Leadership Program in Connecticut and continues exploring expansion opportunities in other states.
The goal, as Shari says often, is to "Build an Army for Freedom." And given recent encroachment on civil liberties in seemingly every corner of society, LPR looks to continue expanding as long as there are partners in liberty ready to join them.
The organisation's expansion strategy focuses on replicating the Colorado model in states with strong conservative movements and willing local partners. This approach maintains program quality while extending influence nationwide.
LPR recognises outstanding alumni through several awards:
Leader in Action Award: Awarded annually to an alumnus of the Leadership Program of the Rockies who has displayed leadership, risk, courage, entrepreneurship, and success while promoting the timeless constitutional principles and impacting public policy.
Champion of Freedom Legacy Award: A Lifetime Achievement Award given in recognition of a distinguished individual who makes profound and long-term contributions to the Leadership Program of the Rockies.
Is Leadership Program of the Rockies Right for You?
Consider LPR if you are:
The program demands significant time investment and philosophical alignment but offers unparalleled access to conservative thought leaders, comprehensive civic education, and a powerful alumni network spanning multiple industries and government levels.
Application Strategy:
The Leadership Program of the Rockies represents a unique opportunity for emerging leaders committed to constitutional principles to develop skills, build networks, and prepare for significant civic engagement. For those aligned with its mission, LPR offers transformational leadership development grounded in America's founding ideals and designed to create lasting impact across communities and the nation.