Business Scholars Institute Reaches Across Institutions to Develop Future Leaders in Business
Through a collaborative effort with top undergraduate business schools from across the United States, the newly launched Business Scholars Institute at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business will support recent graduates as they transition into the workforce, build their networks, and strive to make a positive impact on the world through business.
Funded by the Baker Trust for Transformative Learning at Georgetown University’s The Red House and with support from Georgetown McDonough, the initiative intends to continue the process of formation that starts during a student’s undergraduate journey and equip them with whole-person programming, mentorship, and leadership development alongside a community of people in a similar phase of life.
“The Business Scholars Institute was inspired by the original mandate for undergraduate education: to develop generations of capable, thoughtful, and purpose-driven leaders in business,” said Michael Mitole, co-founder and managing fellow at the Business Scholars Institute. “We believe that a business degree marks the beginning of a person’s transformational journey, not the end; if undergraduate business schools across America can work across siloes and build lifelong communities that foster a spirit of excellence, then we can ensure that every graduate can reach their full potential.”
The institute established partnerships with business schools across several major U.S. cities as part of the first coalition of “City Communities” to connect alumni across the country through events, leadership and career development programming, and volunteer opportunities. Current seniors and alumni who graduated between the years 2015 and 2023 will be eligible to apply for their local City Communities chapter.
The City Communities initiative was inspired by the Teach for America model, which was founded on a mission to mobilize promising young leaders to create a more just world and serve the generations of students coming behind them. Beyond functioning as a supportive and cross-institutional alumni network, members of the City Communities will engage with local undergraduate business schools and support interns and current students who come to their cities in the summer looking for guidance and impactful role models.
“We are proud to be partners in our students’ formation over their four years on the Hilltop, and we want to make sure they feel the same level of support and care through all of the important phases of their lives,” said Patricia Grant, senior associate dean of the Undergraduate Program at Georgetown McDonough. “The Business Scholars Institute ensures that recent graduates across the country will always have a vibrant community of people who are there to support them as they grow into high-impact leaders in business.”
With a foundation in Georgetown’s Jesuit values, the Business Scholars Institute focuses on the idea of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, as a guiding force for community engagement. Alumni are encouraged to pursue programming and events that look beyond traditional professional development opportunities and focus on topics such as personal well-being, reflection, and service. The institute also focuses on how graduates can use their business education to solve problems in society and serve the common good.
“The mission of the Business Scholars Institute aligns itself with the vision of the Baker Trust: to transform students’ experiences through an emerging learning paradigm that is responsive to the challenges of an uncertain future,” said Randall Bass, vice president of strategic initiatives and founding director of the Red House. “We are proud to support the institute as it seeks to shape a new model for business education that will prepare Georgetown students for life after graduation through an emerging and holistic vision of leadership.”
Applications are open for the first cohort of the Business Scholars Institute’s City Communities. Seniors are encouraged to apply by February 26, 2024, for consideration in Round 1 decisions. Learn more and apply on the Business Scholars Institute webpage.
For universities and schools interested in engaging with the institute for a future City Community, please contact Michael Mitole, at cmm601@georgetown.edu.