SIEML was more than just a program. It was a life-changing opportunity where I met incredibly driven and inspiring individuals.

Who Can Apply?

SIEML is interested in recruiting academically talented students who have the potential to be dynamic industry leaders, and are seeking an opportunity to further develop those skills in a graduate business program. SIEML participants are often leaders on their campus, community, or workplace, and are recognized by campus faculty and administrators for their leadership and educational accomplishments. SIEML participants should be committed to their educational and professional success, have a growth mindset, and have the ability to work well with and learn from others.

SIEML will accept a maximum of 50 students each year. 

All students who meet the following criteria are invited to apply:

  • Students currently enrolled at a four-year HBCU or HSI with sophomore, junior or senior standing or
  • Transfer-ready California HSI community college students (only students who are applying and planning to enroll in a four year college for fall 2026 are eligible).
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or undocumented students with AB540 or DACA status.
  • We accept applications from all majors. However, you should have a strong interest in attending a graduate business program.
  • While we do not have a minimum GPA requirement, we encourage applications from students with at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • Seniors should be enrolled through the end of the Spring 2026 Term and include a transcript that shows their final spring course schedule.

Candidates are required to be at on site and present during the FULL SIEML programming.  For students with course or internship conflicts, we can provide a letter that you can use to arrange for academic or internship accommodations.  Seniors should review programming dates with commencement activities as we unfortunately cannot accommodate a later SIEML start due to the nature of programming.

While we look forward to receiving and reviewing applications from many talented students, we especially encourage applications from students who either have strong ties to California or consider California their home state and are looking to pursue their graduate education here, whether or not they attend school in or out of state.

Not sure if your school is an HBCU or HSI? Check here for a list of HBCUs and here for a list of HSIs.

What Previous Participants Have to Say About SIEML

“SIEML gave me a roadmap for pursuing an MBA in the UC system, and the confidence to know I belong there. It made business school feel not only achievable, but intentional, and it connected me with mentors, friends and advisors who continue to guide me forward.”
Adam C. | Howard University | Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance '27

“SIEML was a transformative experience that expanded my perspective on leadership, innovation, and community. The connections I made and the knowledge I gained will shape my academic and professional journey. It’s more than a program, it’s a launchpad for future changemakers.”
Giselle G. | Fresno State | BS in Business Administration - Accountancy Option '28

“My time at the SIEML business boot camp was super impactful - from meeting the incredible cohort to researching and presenting our case, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Post-boot camp, SIEML opened doors to opportunities that I wouldn’t have even known to explore. I landed a full tuition fellowship for my MBA program at UCSD and gained access to a network of scholars and professionals that I will continue to build on for the rest of my career.”
Afiya W. | UC San Diego MBA ‘26 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
BS in Business Administration and Management ‘23

2025 Cohort

While the selection process is competitive, program administrators are driven to bring together a dynamic group of emerging managers and leaders with a variety of skill sets.

Grade Point Average 

  • Average: 3.73
  • Range: 3.1 to 4.0

Colleges Represented
Alabama A&M University | Alabama State University | California State University, Dominguez Hills | California State University, East Bay | California State University, Fresno | California State University, Fullerton | Delaware State University | Florida A&M University | Howard University | Morgan State University | Norfolk State University | North Carolina A&T State University | North Carolina Central University | San Diego State University | Southern University and A&M College | Spelman College | Tennessee State University| Tuskegee University | University of California, Irvine | University of Houston | University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Xavier University of Louisiana

Majors
Accounting/Banking/Finance | Biochemistry | Business Administration & Management | Business Economics | Chemistry  | Communications | Computer Engineering | Computer Science/General  | Design | Econometrics/Economics | English Language & Literature | Environmental Sciences | Information Science | Law | Management Information Systems | Marketing Management & Research | Political Science and Government

Home
Alabama (1) | California (18) | District of Columbia (1) | Delaware (2) | Florida (3) | Georgia (4) | Illinois (1) | Kentucky (1) | Louisiana (1) | Maryland (3) | Michigan (2) | North Carolina (1) | Nevada (1) | New York (2) | Pennsylvania (1) | Tennessee (2) | Texas (4) | Virginia (2)