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

Apply Now ›

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

PODCAST: Dean Jeffrey R. Brown

In this episode of The Gies Download, Dean Brown discusses his nine years at the helm, why he’s stepping away now, and what the future might hold for Gies under new leadership.

Two Gies faculty receive campus teaching awards

Gies Professors Richard Excell and Brian Hamm were recognized by the University of Illinois with campus awards for excellence in instruction. The awards were presented at the University of Illinois’ annual Celebration of Teaching Excellence held April 16.

Gies Groundbreaking Ceremony

On April 14, please join Gies College of Business as we break ground on a new building that will equip the College and campus to continue transforming lives on a global scale.

Friday, April 14 | 2 pm
On the Military Axis, South of the Business Instructional Facility (Accessible from Sixth Street)

Reception follows in BIF atrium

Register today


A partnership between Gies Business and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this new building will focus on learners and on supporting their growth into purposeful leaders. Every aspect of this building has been intentionally developed to help rethink business education: 

  • Collaboration spaces to encourage interaction and innovation among faculty and learners
  • Flexible classrooms and the latest technology to enhance engagement and promote inclusion of all voices
  • Extensive online teaching studios to reach learners around the world and provide them with opportunities for excellence and career advancement

This groundbreaking will also honor the impact of the many donors who are leading the way in our goal to raise over $50 million toward this building project. Lives will be positively changed because of the generosity of these donors. Learn more about this exciting new project!

Please make plans to attend this groundbreaking ceremony.