Building Networks

*Attendance at all sessions is mandatory for all BN Program Participants

• Current college freshmen or sophomores who intend to major in business administration and are enrolled at either:
  • The University of Washington – Seattle (*UW students must be eligible for EOP program)
  • A Washington state community college
• First generation students (strongly encouraged to apply)
• Prior business experience or knowledge is not required, just an interest to learn
• 3.0 GPA and above is preferred (but not required)
• Students who have already participated in the Young Executives of Color (YEOC) or Business Bridge (B2) program are ineligible to apply.

Target Groups: Historically minoritized racial groups – African American, Hispanic/Latino(a), Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian – American Indian & Alaskan Native nations and first-generation or low-income background students.

Applications will open in Fall Quarter, but fill out this Interest Form so that the program team can capture your email and send you updates on the application!

The BN application process is completely online, students will be asked to create an account first. The online application includes:

• Applicant background and contact information
• An activities journal and 4 short essays
• A copy of an unofficial transcript will be requested upon acceptance to the program

Juvi Therese Mallari
Building Networks Contact | Undergraduate Diversity Services
E: [email protected]

Learn more about Building Networks
BN Instagram

Q: If I participate in BN is it guaranteed that I will get into UW or Foster?
A: Participation in BN does not guarantee admission into the UW. However, BN is a recognized program and activity by the Foster School of Business.

Q: What if I can’t make it to one of the BN sessions?
A: All BN Friday sessions are mandatory. Due to the limited time we have with our participants, it is required that students attend all session dates. Three unexcused absences are grounds for dismissal from the program. To excuse an absence you must contact your BN mentor AND the BN program manager via email at least a week in advance to be excused.

Q: Can I save my application online and return to it at a later time?
A: Yes, you can save your application and return to it at a later time. If you are in the application you will find a “Save” button at the bottom of the application page.

Q: What are my chances of acceptance?
A: Every application submitted by the deadline will receive the same treatment. We have carefully designed our review process to ensure quality and fairness. Admission into the BN Programs is highly selective and based on a comprehensive review of all applicants.

Q: Who do I fax or email my transcripts to?
A: Students must upload an Official Transcript upon acceptance into the program.

Q: Can I call or email to check on my admission status?
A: We will not accept or return any calls nor respond to any emails regarding admission decisions. All applicants will be notified by email of their admission decision by January. To verify that your complete application was received, please login to your online application to check the status.

Q: How long is the BN program? And how long are the sessions?
A: BN is a 3 month program that runs from February – April. Sessions take place on Fridays and there are seven sessions which all mentees are required to attend. All sessions are from 3:00-6:00 pm.

Q: Where does the BN program take place?
A: The BN program is held at the UW Seattle campus in Paccar, Dempsey, and Founders Hall. There is one company site visit we do off campus and transportation is arranged by the program. All session details will be sent out to students via email beforehand.

Q: Is BN a free program?
A: Yes, BN is a free program for students, the only potential cost is transportation to and from the University of Washington Seattle campus. Parking is compensated for those who commute via car. All materials including snacks, dinner, and session supplies are provided.

Q: What if I have to travel hours to get to BN?
A: Transportation reimbursement is considered on a case by case basis, usually for students traveling 150 miles or more to UW.

Q: Do I need to bring anything to BN?
A: Students must bring any assigned pre-work for sessions, which will be communicated in our weekly reminder emails. Occasionally, a device like a laptop or tablet may be needed, but we’ll let you know in advance. Most importantly, come with an eagerness to participate and a passion to learn!

Q: What do I wear to BN?
A: The dress code at BN is casual, unless stated otherwise. Some sessions will be business casual, which means slacks, collared shirts, button ups, polos, and dresses are preferable. A couple of sessions will be business professional attire. The Husky Career Closet at Mary Gates Hall is a resource for UW students looking for professional clothing.

Q: What should I expect at BN?
A: Each BN session has a different theme, such as Building your Network and Build your Business Knowledge. Most sessions have 4 main components: (1) Mentor/Mentee Group Time, (2) Lecture/Presentations on Session Focus (3) Activity/Interactive Programming, (4) Activity Debrief/Real Talk and free Dinner!

Q: What is the role of the BN mentor?
A: The role of the BN mentors is to support your students at each of the Friday sessions. Mentors will also contact their mentees weekly (via phone or email) outside of BN to check on their academics, Foster application, and provide resources needed by the student. Becoming a BN mentor is a great way of getting involved with the Undergraduate Diversity Services (UDS) community and sharing your lived experiences and knowledge with your peers. Any other services such as tutoring or test prep that students request will be referred out to our partner organizations.

Q: How much homework will my student be doing at BN?
A: There isn’t too much homework required to be completed by students. It consists of preparing any work needed for sessions, checking weekly with assigned mentors, and having clear communication with mentors and BN staff if a time conflict were to arise.

Q: How are mentors assigned to mentees?
A: Mentors are carefully matched to mentees based on shared interests, career goals, and availability. This ensures a meaningful and personalized mentorship experience for every participant.

Q: How does BN prepare standard admit students and transfer students applying to Foster?
A: Both UW students planning to apply through standard admission and transfer students applying to Foster receive mentorship tailored to their unique needs. Standard admit students are supported in navigating the academic and social aspects of UW and the Foster School of Business, including course selection, networking, career development, and guidance on their application to the Foster School. Transfer students, especially those planning to apply to UW and the Foster School of Business, receive guidance to help them adjust to UW’s academic environment, build connections within the business school, and leverage resources effectively. In both cases, BN provides the skills, support, and network needed to succeed in business school and beyond.