KeyBank Business Leadership Program

• Dec. 1: Application opens.
• March 5: Application closes.
• March 12: Supplemental materials due (essays, professional résumé, unofficial high school transcript).
• March 19: Recommendation form due.
• April 28: Notification of accepted students.
• May 5: Deadline to accept program offer.

BLP participants are tasked to work in teams to create and implement a marketing campaign for our corporate partners. The team which creates the best solution will win a $1000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business.

• The program is intended for students who identify as underrepresented, diverse, students of color and/or first generation, or who are interested in gaining new perspective on issues related to business and diversity.
• Priority consideration for Colorado Residents
• Current high school juniors entering their senior year during the Fall 2023 academic year
• Incoming first-year Leeds School of Business during the Fall 2023 academic year

IT’S FREE

The cost of tuition is generously supported by KeyBank, the Leeds School of Business, and corporate partners. Our prior corporate partners have included KeyBank, Key Equipment Finance, Arrow Electronics, Enterprise, Gogo Business Aviation, and TD SYNNEX.

• Connect and learn from leading experts from major corporations and get answers about their business and career path
• Meet Leeds School of Business faculty and administrators
• Gain confidence while strengthening business and leadership skills
• Make new friends with students from a range of high school

Program Applications Open Thursday, December 1, 2022 and close Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 11:59 (MST)

Part I: Complete Initial Interest Form

Students with expressed interest in applying to the KeyBank Business Leadership Program and or Women in Business Case Competition must complete the Initial Interest Form. Once the form is complete applicants will be invited to submit their supplemental program materials.

Part II: Submit Program Materials

• Personal Essays
  Both essays are required, should not exceed 500 words each, and must be submitted in a single PDF file. Students who are interested in applying to both programs must address program interest in essays.
  • Essay One
    • At the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, no two Buffs are alike. We value difference and support equity and inclusion of all students and their many social intersecting identities. How will you contribute to the diversity of the Business Leadership Program and/or Women in Business Case Competition summer programs?
  • Essay Two
    • How might your participation in the Business Leadership Program and/or Women in Business Case Competition fit into your field of study and/or future goals? Think about your prior/current coursework, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer Professional Resume
• Professional résumé
• Recommendation Form 
• Unofficial High School Transcript

Supplemental materials must be received by Sunday March 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM (MST)​

• Start by brainstorming and listing out the unique qualities and experiences that make you different from other applicants. This can include your cultural background, personal interests, and any challenges you have overcome. 

• Be specific and provide examples to illustrate how your unique qualities will contribute to the diversity of the Business Leadership Program and/or Women in Business Case Competition. For example, if you are a first-generation college student, you could discuss how your experiences and perspective will add to the program's diversity. 

• Consider how your participation in the program aligns with your academic and career goals. This can include your field of study, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work or volunteer experience.  

• Show how the program will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your future goals. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in finance, you could discuss how the Business Leadership Program and/or Women in Business Case Competition will provide you with the opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain practical experience. 

• Be sure to highlight your passion and enthusiasm for the program. The admissions committee wants to see that you are genuinely excited about the opportunity and will be an active and engaged participant. 

• Proofread your essays carefully to ensure they are free of spelling and grammar errors. A well-written essay will make a strong impression and help you stand out from other applicants.  

• Finally, don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your essays from teachers, counselors, or other trusted mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help you improve your essays before submitting them. 

• Start with a simple resume template that will give the reader a quick overview of who you are and what you can bring to the table. Your resume should reflect a professional resume as much as possible, we want to get an idea of who you are as an individual.

• Focus on your relevant experiences and achievements.

  • Education (High School) and GPA

  • Work Experience (if any)

  • Clubs/Activities, Achievements/Awards/Honors

  • Projects

  • Additional Skills, Hobbies etc.

  • If you are not involved in school or work, highlight home duties like helping at home, caring for siblings, etc. Leadership takes a variety of forms.

• Use bullet points to organize your experiences and make them easy to read. This will help the reader quickly scan your resume and identify the most important information.

• Use action verbs to describe your experiences and accomplishments. This will make your resume more engaging and help you stand out from other applicants.

• Proofread your resume carefully to ensure that it is free of spelling and grammar errors. A well-written and error-free resume will make a good impression on potential employers.

• Finally, tailor your resume for our summer programs. This will show us and other programs you are applying for that you have taken the time to understand their needs and are well suited to the program.