Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholars Program

BEL Scholar Program Application
Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) is a competitive scholarship program that strives to cultivate a community of student leaders who are not traditionally represented in the business world. Participants also have strong academic records and leadership skills, and are enrolled in the Wisconsin School of Business Undergraduate Program.

Award Details

  • The BEL Scholarship has a value of at least $10,000 per year for each of four years (eight semesters Fall/Spring), to be applied towards the cost of tuition & fees.
  • NOTE: Students receiving other financial support towards tuition & fees are still encouraged to apply, but may receive a lower scholarship award if selected to the BEL Program.
  • Recipients will receive:
    - Engaging leadership opportunities
    - One-on-one academic advising support
    - Enhanced career coaching and career trek experience
    - Join a community of leaders from diverse backgrounds as part of a supportive cohort experience.

Eligibility

  • Complete this application no later than April 1, 2025.
  • Must be a current High School Senior applying for Direct Admission to the Undergraduate Business Program at UW-Madison for Fall 2025 enrollment; recipients must be admitted to UW-Madison as Direct Admits to Business for Fall 2025 enrollment. Students pursuing one of the online Undergraduate Degree options are not eligible.
  • A submitted FAFSA is not required; preference will be shown for students that do submit a FAFSA and have demonstrated financial need.
  • Identify with one or more of the following:
    - Demonstrated involvement and/or leadership in a High School activity.
    - Low-Income family.
    - First-Generation student.
    - Being the first in their family seeking to graduate from a four-year college.
    - Coming from an underserved urban, rural, or farming community.
    - Attending a school with a limited college preparatory curriculum.
    - Attending a school district in an area with high poverty concentration, or other socioeconomic circumstances that have impacted educational opportunities.
  • Preference will be shown for applicants who have previously participated in a Business-related experience or camp at UW-Madison, another peer institution, or civic organization.

Award Renewal

  • Enrollment in the Undergraduate Business Program.
  • Maintain good academic standing.
  • Participation in regularly scheduled BEL Program meetings & events.

Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2025

Award
Varies
Organizations
Wisconsin School of Business - BBA Program
Deadline
04/01/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. I understand that I must ultimately be admitted as a Direct Admit to the Undergraduate Business Program for next Fall to be eligible to receive this award. (must select "I understand" to be eligible)
  2. Required: The Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Program strives to cultivate a community of student leaders who are not traditionally represented in the business world. Explain why you want to be a part of the BEL community, and how your current experiences will enhance and contribute to the BEL community
  3. Required: BEL Scholars possess unique identities and experiences that shape how they navigate the world around them, lead themselves, and lead others. BEL Scholars go on to leave a positive impact at the Wisconsin School of Business. Share how your personal identity has shaped who you are and how your unique experiences have made a positive impact on your school, neighborhood, or community.
  4. Optional: If you have previously participated in a business-related experiential camp, program, or activity, list the name and hosting organization below. If none, leave blank.
  5. Optional: Financial need is typically demonstrated through FAFSA data, but some students are not eligible to fill out the FAFSA or have high financial need that is not accurately reflected through the FAFSA. If applicable, please provide information related to your level of financial need. A response to this question is optional.
  6. Optional: Is there any other information you would like our reviewers to know pertaining to your application? This is your opportunity to tell us about any extenuating circumstances, challenges, identity, and/or family experiences and history, exceptional talent or accomplishments, or other factors not included in responses to other questions that may impact our review. Undergraduate Business values diversity of all kinds and we welcome you to share information about communities with which you identify. Please be specific when presenting the additional information while honoring your need for privacy or discretion. If no response, enter "n/a" or leave blank.
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