Emerging Leaders of Color
Emerging Leaders of Color (ELOC) is a free 8-month pathway program for 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 Minnesota Carlson 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 - Entrepreneurship
- October - Marketing
- November - Accounting, Finance, Risk Management
- December - Human Resources
- January - Supply Chain & Operations
- February - Management Information Systems
- March - Networking Fair
- April - Business Presentations
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
Application timeline for 2025 program
Application Opens | Application Closes | Notifications |
|---|---|---|
April 1, 2025 | June 2, 2025 | End of June 2025 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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