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Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program

Earn a scholarship. Find a community of support. Benefit from academic success resources.

Helping Future Leaders Achieve Success

Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) is a competitive merit-based scholarship program for diverse students who have strong academic records, leadership skills, and are enrolled in the Wisconsin School of Business undergraduate program.

Earn a scholarship

Receive at least $10,000 per year for four years (eight semesters) toward tuition and fees while enrolled as an undergraduate business student. Award amounts may be adjusted for students receiving other scholarship support toward tuition and fees.

BEL students take a tour of a local business

Benefit from experiential learning

Scholar recipients participate in a three-week summer residential experience at UW–Madison the summer before the first semester. Cost is covered except for transportation. 2025 dates: July 6-26.

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Access academic success resources

Get help navigating college life and academics by taking advantage of resources such as academic advising and career coaching beginning the summer before college and lasting through your time on campus.

Find a community of support

Apply for the BEL Scholarship

Application timeline, 2024-25

  • Application opens: February 1, 2025
  • Application closes: April 1, 2025
  • Applications reviewed and scholarships awarded on a rolling basis between February 1 and April 15, 2025

Eligibility requirements

  • Must be a current high school senior applying for direct admission to the undergraduate business program at UW–Madison for Fall 2025 enrollment. Students may apply prior to their UW–Madison admission decision.
  • 3.0 or higher unweighted overall high school GPA, and 3.0 or higher unweighted overall high school math GPA.
  • Identify with one or more of the following: a demonstrated involvement and/or leadership in diversity, equity, or inclusion-related activities; a first-generation college student; and/or a low-income student (defined as a student who receives free or reduced lunch).
  • A submitted FAFSA is not required; preference will be shown for students that do submit a FAFSA and have demonstrated financial need.
  • Preference will be shown for applicants who have previously participated in a business-related experience or camp at UW–Madison, a peer school, or a civic organization.

How to apply

To be considered for the BEL Scholarship, apply through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

Apply via WiSH

Questions? Get in touch: belprogram@wsb.wisc.edu