ELOC

Emerging Leaders of Color

Emerging Leaders of Color (ELOC) is a free 8-month pathway program for underrepresented high school students, introducing them to:

  • Business classes, faculty, and career options
  • Professional development
  • Networking with professionals from the Twin Cities corporate community
  • Mentorship from a current Carlson School student
  • College preparation activities*

*Participation in ELOC does not impact admission to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Program Details

2024-2025 Program Dates

Monthly on Saturdays from 9am-2pm

  • September 14, 2024
  • October 5, 2024
  • November 2, 2024
  • December 7, 2024
  • January 25, 2025
  • February 22, 2025
  • March 22, 2025
  • April 19, 2025

Students admitted to the program are expected to attend all monthly Saturday sessions.

Program Eligibility
  • High school students who will be a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior during the upcoming academic year.
  • An interest to learn about business.
  • A demonstrated academic mindset with preference given to those involved in school or community groups.
  • This program will center the experience of individuals who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), including Somali, Hmong, and/or Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx identities in business. Other identities may apply.

How to apply

The ELOC application process is completely online, please contact the program coordinator if you would like alternative accommodations. The online application includes:

  • Applicant background and contact information
  • A short essay
  • Self-reported GPA

Admission to the program is determined by the strength of the overall applications. Items considered include: leadership activities, community engagement, short essays, GPA, and overall interest in the field of business.
 

Applications will be open April 1 - June 3, 2024

Emerging Leaders of Color Program Growing

Among the Carlson School’s efforts toward a more equitable future in education is Emerging Leaders of Color, a unique opportunity for cohorts of high school students to experience and learn about business at the Carlson School. 

The activities we did today had a good balance. The speakers brought attention and new insight to very good information and important issues that are existing currently in our country's business industry. We also had time to work alone and with each other and have some fun.

2019-2020 participant

ELOC has given me the opportunity to be a part of something greater than myself. By providing encouragement and support, I have personally seen the power of students who share similar backgrounds to mine talk about their experience in a space dominated by people who look nothing like them. With my involvement in ELOC, I am helping to create a space for the next generation of leaders to succeed.

2019-2020 Carlson School Current Student Mentor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Participation in ELOC does not guarantee admission to the University of Minnesota.

Students are encouraged to use public transportation or personal transportation to get to campus. Student parking in the University ramps is covered by ELOC. Transportation reimbursement is considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Students are encouraged to reapply for admission every year they are eligible. For example, if a student participates as a sophomore, they are encouraged to apply to participate for their junior year and again for their senior year. Each year, students will have the opportunity to attend college preparation sessions designed specifically for their class standing (i.e. sophomore, junior, or senior).

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all participants.

ELOC partner group photo

Become an Emerging Leaders of Color program partner

The success of this program lies in the engagement from local businesses, business owners, and local professionals to provide a small amount of time and experience. Through keynote or workshop, you can open the door to future business careers for these students.

Some examples of past program partners:

U.S. Bank

Avocadish

Carmichael Lynch

Minnesota Business Venture

Jeff Williams

Questions or Accommodations?

If you have questions, please contact:


Jeff Williams

Coordinator for Diversity Pathway Initiatives & Community Partnerships

will3637@umn.edu

2022-2023 Cohort Profile

61

Total students

13

First-generation students

9

Returning participants

17

Admitted to U of M-Twin Cities for Fall 2023

Learn more about ELOC

Download a PDF report to learn more about the ELOC program and its first two cohorts. See a full profile on where students are coming from in the Twin Cities metro, as well as grade, gender, and race/ethnicity breakdowns.