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April is Diversity Month and CapFed® is proud to feature the Multicultural Business Scholars Program (MBSP) at The University of Kansas School of Business.
Led by Steven Johnson, Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, the MBSP provides academic, scholarship and career resources to underrepresented student groups on campus. Now in its 30th year, the program remains committed to creating equitable opportunities where all students can achieve their academic and professional goals.
“The program was founded in 1992 by professor emerita Dr. Renate Mai-Dalton,” said Johnson. “Dr Mai-Dalton created this program to provide a space for diverse business students to be exposed to opportunities that would give them the skills and experience to successfully navigate business relationships. The ultimate goal of this program is to retain and graduate underrepresented students, and to connect them with post-graduate experiences that lead them to a successful career of their choice,” he said.
The Multicultural Business Scholars Program is one of four enrichment programs in the School of Business and represents a diverse group of students who each bring their unique backgrounds, identities and experiences to the table. Students in the program have maintained an average GPA of 3.5 along with being involved with a variety of organizations both on and off campus. Not only are they involved in extra-curricular activities, but more than half of the students hold a leadership position within those organizations. Students in the program learn the importance of holistic development and that a college journey is not just about the classroom experience. It’s about the networking and professional opportunities, as well.
“Our program has had a great experience working with CapFed,” said Johnson. “We often share with the students and remind them that the success of this program is made possible through partnerships and the generous support we receive from our corporate sponsors. It has been a beneficial relationship and one we hope to continue for years to come,” he said.
One thing that Johnson, says has been emphasized since overseeing the program is the power of relationships. “Growing up, I always heard the phrase; it takes a village to raise a child. While I don’t think of the scholars as children, thinking about those words, in the context of the work I do, I really do help them try to achieve and be the best versions of themselves. It really is a community effort to see these students succeed and reach their goals.”
Through strategic connections with faculty, staff, administrators, business leaders, sponsors and families, Johnson, also encourages students to consider building their own support network, a group of people who they trust will keep them on track to accomplish their goals. He believes this resourcefulness is something that can serve all of the scholars and contribute to the achievements and success of the program.
The scholars often credit their involvement in the program to their academic and professional success. The in-house resources give them the confidence to maneuver through their academic programs with guidance. The professional development opportunities, monthly meetings, networking events and informational sessions provide substantial opportunity for internships and, ultimately, job placement.
“We believe in the value of this program and are very proud to know that even after 30 years, it remains an integral resource for our diverse business Jayhawks,” said Johnson. “As cost of attendance continues to rise, so does the importance of securing scholarships. This is why we think this program is so beneficial to those who have need. With the support of our sponsors, like Capitol Federal, we hope to continue to alleviate some of the financial hardships experienced by diverse students,” he said.
For more information about the Multicultural Scholars Business Program, please visit https://msp.ku.edu/business.
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