The 2024 Business Bridge cohort.
The next four years will lay the foundation for your future career. Here’s your chance to get a head start, expand your network, and raise your stock with your business savvy. Consider Business Bridge!
B² gives students first-hand experience with both the UW and Foster School of Business, thereby fostering a greater understanding of college life and academic expectations. B² will take place four weeks before Fall quarter. Students will enroll for a 5-credit college-level writing course (BA490) offered by the Foster School. Offering a broad overview of core business topics, the B² program integrates leadership and strategy skills throughout the curriculum. Professional development, career exploration and leadership activities focus on tools and resources that students can use to become more effective students. A diverse group of facilitators present information in their areas of expertise and then engage the class in thought-provoking discussions where participants are encouraged to share their experiences and learn from one another. Approximately 25 students are admitted to the program every year.
B² is a program designed to address the historical lack of representation in Business Schools & the greater corporate world of Black, Latinx, Native, Pacific Islander & Southeast Asian professionals, as well as people of first-generation and/or low-income backgrounds. B² works to empower participants by providing professional, academic, and personal development and a community of peers and professionals of similar backgrounds.
B² Program Overview
- B² is a four-week, total-immersion program for pre-business students.
- B² sessions take place at the Foster School of Business on the University of Washington Seattle campus.
B² Day in the Life
Standard program days and times are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 9-12 p.m. BA490 Writing Course
- 12-1 p.m. Lunch
- 1-4 p.m. Professional Development & Leadership Workshops
Program also includes team building socials and site visits to Seattle area companies.
What are the benefits?
- Get ahead of the game.
B² allows you to take a lighter load during autumn quarter. The 5 credits you earn duringB² (BA490) count toward autumn quarter, which means you only have to enroll in 10 credits to be considered a full-time student.
- Connections are key.
B² students will have direct connections with faculty and staff within the Foster School of Business before the academic year begins.
- Explore your options.
B² is a perfect opportunity for you to learn about business as a major as well as network with professionals from Fortune 500 companies. - Develop your network.
Through the course of the program, B² provides opportunities for you to work with other B² students and make valuable connections that will benefit you over the next four years.
Program Details
Click on each heading to learn more.
Session attendance is mandatory for all B² participants.
| Theme of the Week | Dates |
| Week 1: Community | August 18th – August 22nd |
| Week 2: Empowerment | August 25th – August 29th |
| Week 3: Advancement | *September 1st – September 5th |
| Week 4: Finals | September 8th – September 12th |
*No Class/Programming on Labor Day
For the 2024 Business Bridge program:
- Incoming UW-Seattle first-years for Autumn 2024 – Enrollment Deposit must be submitted to the University of Washington prior to being admitted into B²
- Students who are interested in pursuing a Business major; non-direct admits are strongly encouraged to apply
Business Bridge programming is focused on serving the following historically underrepresented groups: Low-Income, First-Generation, and BIPOC (African American, Hispanic/Latino(a), American Indian/Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian).
| B² Application Opens | B² Application Deadline | Decisions Announced |
| March | End of May | Beginning of June |
- The B² application process is completely online, and students will use their UW Net ID for access. The online application includes:
Applicant Background and Contact Information - An Activities Journal and 2 Short Essays
Space is limited in the program, and admission into B² is determined by your overall desire for community and an interest in pursuing a business degree. Additionally, admitted B² students are required to attend all class sessions during the 4-week program. Students are expected to exhibit a professional demeanor and actively participate in all session discussions, workshops, and activities. Respect towards fellow students, staff, mentors, and session guests, including professional speakers and volunteers is strictly enforced.
Q: Who should apply?
A: B² is open to all incoming UW freshmen who are interested in pursuing a business major and getting a head start on their freshman year at the UW Seattle Campus. B² focuses its resources on serving the following underrepresented minority groups: African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian.
Q: What makes a strong candidate?
A: Students are selected based on their stated interest in exploring business as a major, high school academic record, resume and essay. An ideal B² applicant will have a strong academic record and demonstrated leadership activities in their school and/or community.
Q: If I participate in B² is it guaranteed that I will get into UW Foster School of Business?
A: Participation in B² does not guarantee admission into the UW Foster School of Business.
Q: What are the program requirements?
A: All B² students are required to enroll in a BA490, a 5 credit academic course offered for only B² students. If you were admitted into B², please allow space in your Autumn Quarter schedule for the 5-credit BA490 course. B² students also agree to participate in daily sessions focused on exploration of a variety of business topics as well as college transition and professional development workshops.
Q: What are the program requirements?
A: All B² students are required to enroll in a BA490, a 5 cr. academic course offered for only B² students. B² students also agree to participate in daily sessions focused on exploration of a variety of business topics as well as college transition and professional development workshops.
Q: What is the B² course?
A: B² students will be registered automatically in the mandatory B² academic course (BA490). The 5 credits you earn during B² count toward autumn quarter, which means you only need to enroll in 10 credits to be considered a full-time student in the fall. Or, take 18 credits and get ahead. NOTE: B² students should register for a maximum of 13 credits for Autumn quarter (not including BA490) so you will not be charged additional tuition (a surcharge) for each credit over 18 credits.
Q: What are the program costs?
A: As mentioned, the 5-credits from BA490 count towards participant’s Fall Quarter credit load and tuition. Students can use Autumn Quarter Financial Aid received to pay for tuition.
Q: Do I have to live on campus?A: B² students are not required to live on campus during the program. However, it is highly encouraged. If you have questions, you are welcome to contact the UDS Program Manager directly. Email is provided at the bottom of this page. Email is provided at the bottom of this page.
Q: Am I allowed to go home on the weekends or after program sessions?
A: Activities outside of program hours are left up to the student; however, it’s encouraged to remain on campus to build closer bonds with their cohort.
Q: Will parking or transportation be provided during the program?
A: Parking and transportation is available for B² students who OPT OUT of housing during the program, and are provided on a case-by-case basis. Students who OPTED IN for housing will not have parking or transportation covered by the program, should they choose to bring a car on-campus.
Q: Is food and personal item money necessary? If not, then how do we receive the money and how much? Meal cards?
A: Participants should bring money for personal expenses and food. B² students who choose to live on campus during the four-weeks, will be provided a dining card to cover their meals throughout the program.
Q: Is transportation necessary to Seattle area company site visits or teambuilding activities?
A: Transportation will be provided for all B² activities.
Q: Is there a dress code for the program?
A: Yes, B² participants will be communicated in advance what the expected attire would be. Business casual attire is typically practiced throughout the program but we recognize potential boundaries with this and will communicate free and affordable options available to UW students. For corporate visits, students are expected to wear business professional.
Inappropriate attire includes but is not limited to:
- T-shirts or tank tops
- Sneakers
- Flip-flops
- Spaghetti strap shirts
- Jeans with rips, tears, or holes
Q: Are there B² activities on the weekend?
A: In addition to your weekday activities there will be some evening and weekend activities scheduled during the program. A detailed schedule will be provided prior to the program beginning.
Q: I am planning to participate in sorority or fraternity fall recruitment. Can I participate in both programs?
A: Due to the limited time we have with our participants, it is required that students attend all programming which may conflict with Greek recruitment activities/events.
Q: Are parents/guests welcomed anytime during the program (lunch)? What about after hours?
A: B² workshops are only open to participants who have been admitted to the program. After sessions are concluded participants are welcome to meet up with friends and family.
Since 2010, B² is thriving and creating connections with diverse incoming freshmen scholars before the start of the academic year at UW. This academic and residential immersion program has graduated over 210 leaders.
B² Contact Information
Juvi Therese Mallari
UDS Recruitment Program Manager
[email protected]
Undergraduate Diversity Services
UW Foster School of Business
Founders Hall 201
Email: [email protected]