Global Sports Mentoring Program

Launched in 2012 through a public-private partnership with ESPN/espnW, the GSMP has become an internationally recognized program designed to promote access to business, leadership, education, and policy-development related to sport. As one of the cornerstones of the Department’s professional development exchanges, the GSMP strengthens ties with key partners and corporate leaders in the United States and around the world and continues to demonstrate America’s preeminence in the sports industry.

Using a mentorship and public-private partnership model, institutional linkages, and participant-led action plans, the GSMP matches international leaders in sport from the private, government, and non-profit areas with senior American executives in the business, media, and sports sector from around the United States for an annual five-weeklong mentorship. Mentors range from national governing bodies such as the U.S. Tennis Association in Orlando, Florida; leagues and teams including the National Football League and National Hockey League, both based in New York City, and the Green Bay Packers, in Wisconsin; universities such as the University of Louisville, University of Connecticut and University of Arizona; and corporations including New Balance in Boston, Saatchi and Saatchi in Los Angeles, and DoubleVerify in Cincinnati. Through this program, participants learn the skills needed to advance into decision-making positions and create pathways for others to pursue sport as a passion, profession, educational vehicle, or career.

International participants and American mentors share a commitment to causing positive economic change at home and abroad through sports and open avenues of collaboration between individuals and nations.  By galvanizing the endeavors of global change agents—both the international participants and American mentors—GSMP supports peacebuilding, resilient societies, and economic development at home and abroad.  American mentors are enriched by an expanded international and domestic network, increased cross-cultural awareness, and insights into overseas sports markets.  

Since its inception in 2012, 287 delegates have participated from 97 countries.