In a groundbreaking initiative to foster greater diversity and inclusivity in graduate education and business leadership, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business announced a new partnership with Chicago Scholars to establish a dedicated pipeline for students into graduate programs. The collaboration promises enhanced access and support for low-income and first-generation college attendees while reinvesting their talents in Chicagoland’s businesses and organizations.
Chicago Booth and Chicago Scholars already have a working relationship, as the school is one of Chicago Scholars’ institutional partners. Chicago Scholars is a leadership development organization that supports first-generation college-bound students in Chicago high schools through a seven-year program that helps ensure they succeed. Starting in their junior year, students receive guidance during the application process, and once they’ve been accepted, Chicago Scholars aids the transition to college life. In the last two years of their undergraduate education, students in the program receive career and leadership training with mentors to help them land a job or enter graduate school.
Andre Hebert, director of college partnerships at Chicago Scholars, is optimistic about the program, saying in an interview on the announcement, “Chicago Scholars is excited to welcome Chicago Booth into our programming. With this pilot year, we are hoping to have Chicago Booth engage with all current college Scholars by way of newsletters and workshops. We also hope to integrate Chicago Booth’s offerings to our Scholar Alumni for those who may be interested in pursuing a graduate degree. Given a successful year, we are hopeful to evolve programming and bring in more graduate level college partners.”
In addition to providing networking and mentoring opportunities, Chicago Scholars are eligible for Booth MBA application fee waivers and dedicated scholarships. The Scholars access these benefits throughout their time in the program, from the college entry process through their decision to enter graduate school. As undergraduates, interested Scholars would be eligible for Booth’s deferred MBA program.
Both Chicago Booth and Chicago Scholars acknowledge the growing importance of a master’s degree in the workplace. Both organizations hope this partnership removes systemic and economic barriers to a graduate degree that many students face and positions Chicago as a model for diversification of business and professional leadership.
Read the full announcement here.
