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

iDegree In-Person Convocation

Gies graduates from August 2023, December 2023 and May 2024 are eligible to participate in the May 2024 Convocation Ceremony. Please note, graduates are only eligible to participate in the ceremony for their respective degree.

Master’s degree candidates with 8 or fewer hours remaining who expect to complete their degree requirements in August 2024, may participate in Convocation.

iDegree In-Person Convocation (iMBA, iMSA, iMSM)

Friday, May 10, 3 - 4:30 pm
State Farm Center
Deadline to register is April 26.

Get all the details