The Foster Effect
The Foster School earns high marks for employer satisfaction, academic reputation, alumni advancement, and return on investment – but the bottom line of any business school is impact – economic, environmental, and social.
Whether students and alumni are repurposing EV batteries, working on ground-breaking change in Foster’s newest carbon offset building, or bringing home the fifth consecutive Challenge for Charity Golden Briefcase, students are applying ingenuity to better humanity through action.
Envisioning 2050: Action Today for a Sustainable Future
Bob Agiro uses his African American Heritage Endowed MBA Scholarship to build career and community
Full-time, Evening MBA Programs launch ESG Leadership Specialization Program
Innovation
Entrepreneurship programs at the University of Washington ranked in the top 10 for Best Entrepreneurship Programs according to a ranking produced jointly by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. Over the last 10 years, over 540 companies have been launched by graduate students with more than $350M in fundraising and investment. The annual Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge is just one of the many opportunities hosted by Foster’s Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship – solving some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems with innovations that have market potential.
Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge Breaks New Ground
Beyond the classroom
Make an impact outside of the classroom and engage with companies and organizations through Applied Strategy consulting projects, our Challenge for Charity (C4C) competition, or the Board Fellows Program – just a few examples of experiential learning at Foster
Ascend
Over the past two years alone, Ascend has helped more than 500 businesses raise $60 million in capital, generate $670 million in revenue, and create and retain more than 5,500 jobs. By 2025, the program plans to create $1 billion in value through the growth of businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color— helping 400 businesses surpass $1 million in annual revenue, 75 exceed $5 million and 25 top $10 million. Students participate through the Ascend Fellows program or take a course on impact lending to underserved communities.
Board Fellows Program
The Board Fellows Program at Foster is the largest Board Fellows Program in the country, impacting over 2.5 million people annually! Foster MBA students serve as advisory, non-voting board members of local nonprofit organizations throughout Washington State as well as California and New York.
Students develop a technology plan, data dashboards, or assist with succession planning. They also plan onboarding for new board members, as well as advise on strategies for fundraising, engagement, recruitment, or changes in bylaws and best practices. Students who are passionate about supporting environmental justice, human rights, equity, strong communities, health, food access, the arts, and many other causes help to affect change while gaining valuable leadership experience.
Pursuing Careers in Sustainability
Foster has supported many students in pursuing meaningful careers in a variety of industries and sectors. Some are in the healthcare industry. Some are pursuing roles where they can influence responsible sourcing or streamline operations for increased efficiency and cost savings while reducing environmental impact. Others are committed to contributing to brand reputation and company culture at organizations with a strong track record of inclusivity and employee welfare. Through Clubs like Net Impact and Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, our robust customizable curriculum, and alumni network, Foster students smartly seek roles at the intersection of their skills, passions, and the fluctuating job market. They take a lead in pursuing projects and leadership roles where they will bring about positive change informed by their values. Read about four students’ internships in sustainability last summer or listen to podcast episodes on alumni who have pursued careers in sustainability.