Inclusive Business Leaders

Inclusive Business Leaders

2023 Inclusive Business Leaders

Making Business More Inclusive For All

Inclusive Business Leaders is a cohort-based program of first-year business students who demonstrate a commitment to making Nebraska Business and the field of business a more inclusive environment for all.

Apply for Fall 2025 Cohort

Apply by the priority deadline on February 1, 2025. Final deadline is April 1, 2025.

Meet the Inclusive Business Leaders

Program Benefits

Inclusive Business Leaders participate in weekly meetings to engage in thoughtful discussion on a wide variety diversity and inclusion topics that impact business today. You'll also build community within your cohort through monthly social activities, make meaningful relationships with college leadership, compete in case competitions, and learn from a number of business professionals through hands-on experiences in the community. Each Inclusive Business Leader is supported by an IBL peer mentor and the IBL staff as they discover how to be a leader in today's diversified work environment.

$2,000 Scholarship

Inclusive Business Leaders are awarded a $2,000 scholarship for engagement in your first year. The scholarship is split, with $1,000 for each semester of program completion.

IBL Scholarship

Exclusive Hands-on Learning Opportunities

You participate in several meaningful experiences on and off campus as an Inclusive Business Leader. Specifically, the program provides opportunities for site visits to local businesses, community service projects, participation in a business case competition, and facilitated discussions with impactful guest speakers.

hands on learning

Academic and Career Support

Through IBL, you take some of your introductory College of Business coursework together with your cohort. The program connects participants with free tutoring and guided pathway planning by an academic advisor. Paired with professional development opportunities like connections to employers and a dining etiquette luncheon, IBL prepares you to confidently step into the business world.

Kasey Linde teaching

Peer Mentorship and Connection

The cohort model of the program encourages a sense of community and connection for first-year students as you navigate projects and discussion around inclusive business together! Outside of the class, IBL hosts monthly social events and facilitates the IBL mentor program, where you are paired with a peer mentor to help guide and support you through your first year and beyond.

Peer mentorship

How to Become an Inclusive Business Leader

Apply by completing a short application and essays describing your experiences, knowledge and career goals as they pertain to inclusion.

Apply for Fall 2025 Cohort

Apply by the priority deadline on February 1. Final deadline is April 1.

Application requirements include:

1

Admission to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a first-time freshman

2

Declare a major in the College of Business

3

2.5 cumulative high school GPA

Program Resources

Inclusive Excellence

This program is one initiative in the college's journey toward inclusive excellence. Other inclusive excellence goals and initiatives include the Diversity and Inclusion Gathering Space (DIGS), a place for conversation and community, and an Inclusive Excellence Advisory Board of faculty, staff, students and alumni who assist with formalizing our initiatives and priorities, establishing and tracking goals and ensuring action and achievement.

College of Business Inclusive Excellence

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for this scholarship?

If you have been admitted into UNL, hold a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above from high school, and major in a field of business (Accounting, Actuarial Science, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management), you are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Can I apply if I’m from out-of-state?

Yes! All domestic students are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Do I need to interview to receive this scholarship?

No. The selection committee will use the information provided in the application to select scholarship recipients.

When would I receive the scholarship?

These first-year scholarships are awarded to students’ MyRED account following the successful completion of each semester for those who are actively pursuing a business major. For example, once you successfully complete the fall semester, the scholarship will be applied in January and used for the spring semester. Spring semester scholarships can be applied to the summer session or the following fall.

What does this scholarship cover?

The Inclusive Business Leaders scholarship can be applied to tuition and fees, and room and board.

When do I find out if I have received the scholarship?

Everyone who applies to the scholarship program will be notified of the selection results. Notifications will be sent to the email address provided in the application on or before May 1.

Is this scholarship renewable?

No. The $2,000 scholarship ($1,000 per semester) is a one-time scholarship for first-year students. Following the first year, students may apply to stay involved with the program as a paid peer mentor.

Can I be an Inclusive Business Leader if I participate in other programs on campus?

Yes! Students can successfully participate in the Inclusive Business Leaders program while being involved with other campus programs such as W.H. Thompson Scholars, Learning Communities, TRIO, etc. We will work with students to develop a personalized plan to accommodate any potential conflicts.

What if I change my major to something outside of the College of Business?

Unfortunately, you need to be actively pursuing a major in business to receive this award. Students need to successfully complete and show continuous enrollment in future business courses at the time scholarships are awarded as a part of the successful completion of each semester.

I have more questions. Who can I talk to about this program?

Please contact Edgar Montoya at emontoya4@unl.edu.

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