# Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program

Merit scholarship pipeline at UW-Madison's Wisconsin School of Business: high school seniors earn at least $10,000/year for four years plus a covered three-week summer residential before freshman year.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Category | business |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grade 12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Madison, WI |
| Apply | https://business.wisc.edu/precollege/business-emerging-leaders/ |

## About this program

# Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program

Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) is the Wisconsin School of Business's competitive, merit-based scholarship program for high school seniors applying for direct admission to UW-Madison's undergraduate business program. BEL Scholars receive at least $10,000 per year for four years toward tuition and fees, plus a three-week summer residential experience on the Madison campus before their first semester with costs covered except transportation.

## What You'll Do
- Apply during senior year through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH)
- Complete a covered three-week summer residential at UW-Madison (July 6-26 in 2025)
- Join monthly cohort meetings with BEL staff and fellow scholars
- Receive academic advising, career coaching, and mentorship from the summer onward
- Get priority placement in the Business Connect or StartUp residential learning communities

## Who Should Apply
Current high school seniors applying for direct admission to the Wisconsin School of Business who identify with at least one program criterion: demonstrated leadership, low-income or first-generation status, underserved communities, or limited college-prep resources at their school. Prior business camps or experience strengthen an application. The 2025-26 cycle ran February 1-April 5, 2026.

## Outcomes
Scholars receive a minimum $40,000 four-year scholarship, a built-in cohort at one of the nation's top public business schools, and structured mentoring from before freshman year through graduation.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program cost?

Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program?

Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program online or in person?

Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program is an in-person program based in Madison, WI.

### How do I apply to Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship Program?

Apply directly through Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-06.
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