Emerging Business Leaders Hero

Preparing tomorrow’s leaders – today

The Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) program at Gies College of Business is a summer program designed for high-achieving Black, African-American, Hispanic, Latinx/a/o, and Native American students entering their senior year of high school.

Program Dates: June 23 - 28, 2024

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Program Activities

  • Interactive discussions featuring Gies Business staff, students, and alumni around career possibilities in business and the Gies student experience 
  • Work in groups to solve business problems
  • Learn about college admissions
  • Have fun and make new friends

Application Criteria

The EBL Program is open to underrepresented students entering their senior year of high school. You must have:

  • 3.2/4.0 GPA or higher
  • Demonstrated leadership through extracurricular, volunteer, or work experiences
  • Ability to attend the entire program (June 23 - 28, 2024)


Program Benefits 

All students who successfully complete the Emerging Business Leaders Program will receive a University of Illinois application fee waiver. Students who apply, are admitted, and enroll into Gies Business will qualify for a renewable scholarship up to $5000 to help cover their academic costs.

Admission to the Emerging Business Leaders program does not guarantee admission to Gies Business and/or the University of Illinois.

Gies News and Events

Lifelong learner earns Gies iMSA to further stand out

Eric Albrecht built a comprehensive understanding of top-notch analytical techniques through the iMSA program and was particularly impressed by a data analytics course, valuing how he could apply the lessons to his job.

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Gies Giving Day

On October 26 each year, the Colleges celebrates Gies Giving Day as a way to commemorate the many exciting ways that the naming gift from Larry and Beth Gies has transformed the College’s culture, magnified our sense of pride, and impacted the College’s trajectory. 

More than a day of celebration, Gies Giving Day is also a day to honor the gift by encouraging students, faculty, staff, and alumni to think about how they, too, can give back. Giving represents our collective commitment to educating purposeful leaders who make the world a better place. 

This year, we're offering several opportunities to get involved and contribute. Whether online or in-person, we hope you'll join us in giving back in any way you can this Gies Giving Day! 

Gies Giving Day Food Drive – Join us in BIF Commons on October 26 from 1-4 pm as we collect non-perishable food items or monetary donations benefiting the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.  

Gies College of Business Emergency Scholarships – We continue to raise funds for the Gies College of Business Emergency Scholarship Fund, which helps students in financial crisis continue their education uninterrupted. Our students remain the heart of what we do every day. Join us in helping our students in need. Give Today.




*We look forward to returning to campus this fall and offering alumni and guests the safest in-person experience possible. Please visit https://covid19.illinois.edu/on-campus/visitors/ for the most current information regarding campus visits. At this time, all university students, faculty, staff, and visitors must wear a face covering in university spaces indoors, regardless of vaccination status. A face covering does not have to be worn when eating or drinking. Current face covering guidelines can be found at https://covid19.illinois.edu/health-and-support/face-coverings/. We will continue to provide updates as event dates approach.