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
Monthly on Saturdays from 9am-2pm
- September 13, 2025
- October 4, 2025
- November 8, 2025
- December 6, 2025
- January 24, 2026
- February 21, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- April 18, 2026
Students admitted to the program are expected to attend all monthly Saturday sessions.
- 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 is open to all and will center the experience of individuals from historically underrepresented identities in business, including but not limited to:
- Low socioeconomic status (qualify for free/reduced lunch)
- Black, Indigenous, or person of color, including Somali, Hmong, and/or Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx
- Immigrant or first-generation American
- Potential first-generation college students (neither parent earned a Bachelor's degree)
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit
- People with disabilities (physical or mental; for example deaf or autistic
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Participation in ELOC does not impact 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.
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.
ELOC includes insight and engagement from global brands like:
Questions or Accommodations?
If you have questions, please contact:
Jeff Williams
Coordinator for Diversity Pathway Initiatives & Community Partnerships