Kelley Women's Leadership Institute | Bachelor's Degree in Business

The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) empowers and equips the next generation of leaders by advancing the representation, impact, and success of women in business. Rooted in the belief that inclusive leadership drives innovation and excellence, we provide transformative experiences, mentorship, and education that are open to all students. Through a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in business, we cultivate leaders who lead with integrity and inspire change across industries.

Students are selected from around the globe to spend a day at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana or participate virtually. Through this program, students:

Participate in lectures with top Kelley School of Business faculty
Explore a real-world business case projects
Build leadership and communication skills with like-minded peers interested in business
Identify the areas of business that will help you meet your career and life goals, and so much more

Application criteria

The Kelley Women's Leadership Institute is a selective program and seats are limited. In-person events consist of a one-day program, while virtual events are spread over two days. Any eligible high school students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to apply.

Program dates and application deadlines
Program dates	Who is eligible?	Application deadlines
Virtual Wednesday April 22 & 29 7 to 9 p.m. ET	Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors	Application opens: Monday, January 5 Application closes: Friday, March 20 Apply now
In-person June 12 All day	Rising juniors and seniors	Application opens: Monday, January 5 Application closes: Friday, March 20 Apply now
In-person June 26 All day	Rising juniors and seniors	Application opens: Monday, January 5 Application closes: Friday, March 20 Apply now
In-person July 10 All day	Rising juniors and seniors	Application opens: Monday, January 5 Application closes: Friday, March 20 Apply now
In-person July 24 All day	Rising juniors and seniors	Application opens: Monday, January 5 Application closes: Friday, March 20 Apply now

To apply

A minimum GPA of a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is required, and factors such as cumulative GPA and application essays will influence selection decisions (consider exploring other IU pre-college programs if you do not meet these criteria.) Applications are not reviewed until after the submission deadline passes and applicants will be notified of program admission or denial via email.

Please note: Due to high interest in our program, we do not make exceptions for missed deadlines, including deadlines missed due to technical issues.

Funding and travel

The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute is funded by the Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Program and corporate partners. For in-person sessions, participants need to cover transportation to and from Bloomington along with their housing and personal expenses. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the program and there are no registration fees.

What’s on the application:

100-word statement on why you hope to participate in the Kelley Women's Leadership Institute
250-word response to “Without any research, describe an interest of yours that you could discuss for five minutes"
Cumulative high school GPA
Opportunity to share business-related extracurricular activities

“I had such a great time at [KWLI], learned so much, felt truly inspired, and made new friends and meaningful connections. Being surrounded by so many driven and passionate individuals made the experience even more impactful, and it deepened my excitement about studying business in the future.”

Summer 2025 attendee

Your business career is anything you want it to be

Application criteria

To apply

Funding and travel

What’s on the application:

More information?

Application criteria

To apply

Funding and travel

What’s on the application:

More information?

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