Leeds EXCEL Scholars

2024 EXCEL Scholars

Leeds EXCEL Scholars 2024 Cohort

Excel Scholars 2023

Leeds EXCEL Scholars 2023 Cohort

Excel Scholars 2022

Leeds EXCEL Scholars 2022 Cohort

KeyBank Summer Bridge Program

Leeds EXCEL Scholars 2020 Cohort

Excel Scholars 2019

Leeds EXCEL Scholars 2019 Cohort

The Leeds EXCEL Scholars Program is an innovative, independent program geared to meet the specific business education needs of students who identify as first-generation and/or low-income.  All CU Boulder Leeds applicants are considered for the EXCEL Scholars Program and the Program does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in accordance with state, federal, and Regent law.

Only referred students by the Office of Admission at CU Boulder will be invited for an interview.  Since the EXCEL Scholars Program is an referral based program, all invitees must complete an interview to be considered for acceptance to the Program.  

Students accepted to the EXCEL Scholars Program are required to participate in a three-week Summer Bridge Program, from July 12- July 31, 2026. Through Bridge, EXCEL Scholars have an in-depth introduction to their first semester business courses, meet with corporate partners, connect with current Leeds faculty, staff and students, as well as learn and experience many of the services that Leeds provides during the academic year. 

The EXCEL Scholars Program also cohorts scholars in courses for their first year, meaning that all EXCEL Scholars will be enrolled in the same class sections to assist in the formation of study groups and for effective tutoring services.  All services and resources will be provided by the Diverse Scholars Program, which EXCEL Scholars are required to participate in for their first year at Leeds to support academic, social, and professional development and transitions to CU and Leeds.

If you received a letter in your acceptance to CU, inviting you to interview for EXCEL, we are excited to connect with you! Schedule your interview with Yazzmynn Martinez, Program Manager of the EXCEL Scholars Program below. If you have not been invited to interview, your registration will be cancelled. 

Schedule my interview 

 

Program benefits: EXCEL Scholar Interview Tips: Frequently Asked Questions:
Program benefits:
  • Admission to the Leeds School of Business for the fall semester of their first year
  • A $1,000 one-time scholarship
  • Priority spot in our Leeds Residential Academic Program (must apply for housing by CU housing deadline)
  • Connection to Leeds faculty and current undergraduates through our faculty mentoring program and peer mentoring program
  • Exclusive access to the Diverse Scholars Program program as a Leeds student. 
  • Additional Requirements

Interview Tips for Prospective EXCEL Scholars

We are seeking students who are motivated, resilient, focused on personal growth, able to work in diverse environments, and who demonstrate the potential to succeed at Leeds.

  • Review the EXCEL Scholars Program Guide: Review the materials sent with your interview confirmation email. Make sure you can commit to the Summer Bridge Program which will take place from July 13, 2025, to August 1, 2025.
  • Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Be ready to share what makes you stand out. Highlight your academic interests, unique qualities, and reasons for pursuing a degree in business.
  • Reflect on Overcoming Challenges: Think of specific situations where you've faced challenges. How have these experiences shaped your personal growth? Reflect on how you’ve managed to balance school, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.
  • Discuss Your Goals: Share some goals you’ve set for yourself and the steps you’ve taken to achieve them. What motivates you to keep pushing forward?
  • Prepare Questions: Come up with one or two thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the program and allows for meaningful engagement.
  • Use Your Time to Tell Your Story: These 30-minute interviews are an opportunity for you to share your story. Focus on what makes you unique and why you’d be a valuable part of the Leeds community. It's your chance to showcase what makes you special and why you want to join a community dedicated to supporting your success. Remain calm and take deep breaths. You got this!
  • Go Beyond Your Application: We've already read your application, so use this opportunity to share what wasn’t included. If you didn’t highlight certain involvement or experiences, now is your chance to do so. Provide additional insight into your grades, activities, and any experiences that can further showcase your strengths.
  • If I am denied from the program what does my admission decision change to? 
    • Your original acceptance decision to the Program of Exploratory Studies or Pre-Business will remain in place.
  • What if I am no longer interested in business and want to change my major? 
    • We would recommend reaching out to the Office of Admissions to notify them about your change. If you happen to change your mind after being accepted as an EXCEL Scholar, we would appreciate notifying us as soon as possible.
  • What should I expect from the interview process? 
    • We will ask multiple questions about your high school experience as a student and about your specific interest for studying business.  Please visit the "Interview Tips" tab for more information.
  • When do I hear back if I have been accepted or denied into the EXCEL Scholars Program? 
    • Usually, it takes up to two weeks to receive your final decision after you've completed your interview.
  • What are EXCEL Summer Bridge commitments and expectations? 
    • We require students to attend the entire 3 weeks (living on-campus Sunday through Friday), fully participate during classes and events, willingness to connect and learn with other diverse students.  Save the dates for Summer Bridge: July 13-August 1, 2025. 
  • Is there a cost to participate in the EXCEL Summer Bridge? 
    • No cost, it’s FREE!

Leeds EXCEL Scholars Alumni

“The biggest take away from being an EXCEL Scholar is the sense of community. This made it easier to make friends, keep up with the program's requirements or to find a study buddy."

Alessia Redwine 

Alessia Redwine

“The immediate return from investing your time in the Summer Bridge Program is going into your first year of college with a sense of confidence, preparedness and community. It also instills a desire to succeed, as you have put in the time, and now you need to continue to work hard in order to learn as much as you possibly can from your time at university.”

Doha Shahba 

Doha Shahba

“The immediate return on investment from the Summer Bridge program was nothing short of transformative. It provided me with a head start, offering a deep dive into first-year classes like World of Business and Mathematical Analysis.”

Jesus Soto 

Jesus Soto

“Being an Leeds EXCEL Scholar comes with many benefits, such as receiving a Leeds faculty mentor. Meeting with my faculty mentor regularly has helped me with professional development opportunities such as looking at potential areas of emphasis, internship searches, and networking with others in the business school.”

Samir Mohamed 

Samir Mohamed

We invite you to learn more about the EXCEL Scholars Program and watch our informational video.