Access and Engagement

To encourage and support academic success for all students, our Access and Engagement programs provide opportunities for mentorship, affinity groups, and community within Gies College of Business.

Students hugging at Gies

Thriving Together

Our programs foster a sense of belonging. They aim to nurture and provide safe environments for students to learn and engage in civil discussions around a range of complex topics, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

The skills and knowledge that Access and Engagement programs help you acquire will last a lifetime. And more and more companies are looking for employees with knowledge in the areas the program engages in. Through Access and Engagement, you can help yourself grow as a person and prepare yourself for a career that is purposeful and impactful.

As part of Gies Business' commitment to better support underserved populations, Access and Engagement develops programs to reach first generation, low income, international, rural, and historically underrepresented students. In Access and Engagement, we seek to understand and address barriers faced by promising and talented students.

Emerging Business Leaders Program

Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) is a summer program designed for high-achieving, underserved rising high school seniors. Participants live on campus and learn from world-renowned faculty, work on a capstone group project with other students, and connect with corporate executives to expand their knowledge about business-related careers.

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Program Activities
  • Interactive discussions with College faculty, staff, students, and alumni about business careers and the Gies Business student experience.
  • Collaborative group projects to solve real-world business problems.
  • Guidance on College admissions and personal branding.
  • Opportunities to build friendships and enjoy a supportive community environment.
Application Criteria

The program is open to underrepresented students entering their senior year of high school. Applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • 3.2/4.0 GPA or higher. 
  • Demonstrated leadership in extracurricular, volunteer, or work experiences. 
  • Availability to attend the entire program. 
Program Benefits
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign application fee waiver for all participants. 
  • Students who apply, are admitted, and enroll in Gies Business qualify for a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 to help cover academic costs. 
Cost

The program fee is $250. Scholarships are available to support students' participation.

Key Dates

Program duration: June 22 - 27, 2025

Application closes: June 1, 2025

Prospective EBL participants are notified through their high school counselors. Admission to the EBL program does not guarantee admission to Gies Business or the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

"My experience with Access and Engagement programs has been amazing, I have found an incredible community I can call home. Andrea and Assistant Dean White have been amazing mentors with providing me with great wisdom in working towards a successful future here at Illinois."

– Tania Williams, Sophomore in Accounting at Gies College of Business.

Program Benefits

Through our diverse programming and community engagement, we strive to:

  • Develop strategies and initiatives to promote equity and inclusion and support anti-racist programs.
  • Foster a campus environment that supports the exploration of varied identities and their intersections.
  • Increase knowledge and awareness of different worldviews to strengthen cultural competencies and application in a variety of contexts.
  • Create opportunities to engage in challenging conversations to advance a more equitable society.

Our Programming

Study Abroad Opportunities

In partnership with Gies Global, Access and Engagement provides opportunities for students to study abroad. Students can engage in hands-on multicultural educational opportunities that prepare them to compete in a global business environment.

Early Arrival Program

This program offers an opportunity for incoming students to engage with peers and other Gies Business community members. It includes one-on-one support and resources from faculty and staff at Gies Business, activities specially designed to help ease your transition into the College, and space to begin familiarizing yourself with the campus.

"Access and Engagement's Early Arrival program completely shaped my college career. From short-term study abroad trips to Morocco and Greece, to meeting people who are now my closest friends on campus, I could not be more grateful for the opportunities Access and Engagement has given me."

- Christine Leung, Junior in Information Systems and Marketing, minor in Sustainability at Gies College of Business.

Meet the Team