Gies Scholar Honors Program
Developing future business leaders
The Gies Scholar Program helps academically motivated and high-potential learners become purpose-driven leaders.
Gies Scholar Program benefits
As a Gies Scholar, you can participate in:
Academic and professional opportunities
- Take special leadership development courses and curriculum
- Enjoy James Scholar Honors Program benefits, including priority course registration
- Travel internationally through an exclusive short-term study abroad program
- Attend a seminar series featuring national and international business leaders
- Receive support from dedicated Honors staff
Community and leadership opportunities
- Participate in service/philanthropic events for campus and the local community
- Serve on university and college-level boards and committees
- Foster community and engagement at social events with other Gies Scholars
- Build connections with Gies Scholar Program alumni at special events
- Be recognized at graduation for your participation in the Gies Scholar Program
Gies Scholar success stories
Hear from students about how they have benefited from their experiences in the Gies Scholar Program.
"I value the Gies Scholars program for its hands‑on, real‑world projects connected to Gies Business. Through this program, we as students have been able to create innovative solutions that contribute to the College’s development while also actively shaping its future."
Izabella Angullo
"The Gies Scholars program has allowed me many opportunities to grow and develop as a professional leader. Opportunities ranging from meeting and networking with different business leaders around the world, to experiencing real cross-cultural work with students in Brazil, and every professional development opportunity in between."
Michael Burke
"I joined the Gies Scholars program because I wanted a community that would encourage my academics and help me grow as a leader while getting involved on campus."
Maeve Irwin
"A standout experience in the Gies Scholars program was traveling to Brazil for a case competition. Competing alongside talented peers in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro exposed me to global business challenges and diverse perspectives, significantly broadening my worldview."
Jonathon Jacome
"I pursued the Gies Scholar program because I wanted to be a part of a cohort of passionate Gies Business students and learn from both the great speakers and experiences the program provides for students."
Nick Rozmus
Who can participate
Admission into the Gies Scholar Program is open to:
- First-year Gies Business students preparing to enter their sophomore year
- Students transferring into Gies Business from another college at Illinois (aka, intercollegiate transfer students)
How to apply
Choose the option that best applies to you to learn how you can apply for the Gies Scholar program.
First-year Gies Business students
The application period for the Gies Scholar Honors Program opens in late fall/early spring each year. When available, the application will be posted on this webpage.
If you are admitted to the program, you will be notified before the end of the spring semester.
Intercollegiate transfer students
When you apply for an intercollegiate transfer (ICT) to Gies Business, you will automatically be considered for admission to the Gies Scholar Honors Program. You do not need to submit an additional application.
If you are admitted into the program, you'll receive a notification after ICT admission decisions have been released in the summer.