Business Student Transition Access & Retention Program (B-STAR)
RBS IDEA Office
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RBS Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access
Newark and New Brunswick
Email: DiversityPrograms@business.rutgers.edu
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Transforming Business Students into Business Leaders
The Rutgers Business School – B-STAR Program is offered by the RBS Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access. The B-STAR program is a signature program included in the RBS – PLUS (Pathways Leading to Undergraduate and Graduate Success) portfolio.
This award-winning and credit-bearing program is designed to support high-performing and high-potential students from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds who have accepted admission to RBS and will enroll as first-year undergraduate students in the fall. This journey begins during the summer of acceptance and continues through to graduation. Each year features unique opportunities to participate in program enrichment and service-learning activities that allow students to build community, gain professional and soft skills and valuable experiences. The RBS B-STAR Program is facilitated in two distinct phases, Phase I and Phase II. During each phase of the program, students experience a hands-on, multifaceted, curricular, and co-curricular scholars' program that enhances academic success, cultivates leadership skills, facilitates professional development, and prepares students for future careers.
Phase I
Begins with a rigorous six-week summer bridge experience. During this initial phase of the program, students are enrolled in college-level courses for full academic credit and exposed to a world-class educational and co-curricular agenda. As students transition from high school to college life, Phase I of the program also offers enrichment sessions that include; academic preparedness, career exploration, peer mentoring, team building, soft skills development, guest lectures from distinguished RBS faculty, staff, corporate partners, and visits to partner corporations and organizations.
Phase II
Begins in the fall once RBS B-STAR students are fully enrolled, first-year undergraduates. During this second phase of programming, students participate in multi-year follow-up and engagement via the RBS CEO (Connect, Engage, and Opportunity) Network and are eligible for various resources, support services, scholarships, leadership programs, etc.
96%
5-year graduation rate
100%
Job placement rate for graduating RBS B-STARs
58%
First-Generation College Students
Program Dates
Program orientation and residential move-in: Second week of July
Phase I: (July 7, 2024 - August 15, 2024)
Phase II: (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior academic years – Graduation)
Classes begin: Second week of July
Deadline to apply: June 2024 (*See the link to the application for more details.)
Application Requirements
- Acceptance to Rutgers Business School as a first-year undergraduate student and confirmed Admit Coming (AC) status.
- Completed B-STAR Program Application
- Updated Resume
- Personal Essay (minimum 500 words) that thoroughly discusses the following questions:
- What are the top three reasons why you are studying business in college?
- How will earning a college degree in business benefit me, my family, and my community?
- What are your goals and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
- Non EOF Student **
**Successful candidates must attain a satisfactory score on the English placement exam given by the English Departments on their respective campus. Additionally, participants must not be enrolled in EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) programming unless approved in advance by program staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The RBS B-STAR program is open to students from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to include students who identify as African-American, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian/ Native American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander who have a strong interest in pursuing a business major in college and/or business career.
How much will it cost to participate in Phase I of the RBS B-STAR Program?
Tuition for Phase I of the RBS B-STAR Program is valued at approximately $7000 per student. Eligible students will have all of their Phase I summer expenses covered by a one-time programmatic scholarship. Covered expenses include tuition, textbooks, meals, housing, program enrichment workshops, etc. The one-time programmatic scholarship is made possible by the RBS Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access and generous contributions from corporate and alumni partners.
How would participation in the RBS B-STAR program benefit me?
Our experience, supported by national data, indicates that participation in bridge or transitional programs, followed by comprehensive and robust support throughout the academic journey, increases academic excellence. The RBS B-STAR Program is designed to simultaneously build upon student strengths while customizing services so that all B-STAR students can fully experience and benefit from the scope, scholarship, and scale of the program, Rutgers Business School, and Rutgers University.
How are students selected to apply to the RBS B-STAR program?
Students admitted to Rutgers Business School are among the very best students in the country, and there is an expectation of high academic achievement for all. Acceptance to the RBS B-STAR Program is based upon a holistic approach that considers academic interests, life experiences, and diverse backgrounds, in addition to academic profiles.
What are the participation expectations during Phase I of the RBS B-STAR Program?
We expect all incoming RBS B-STAR students to be fully engaged from Monday to Friday during programming by attending their courses at their scheduled time and participating in all program enrichment workshops and activities.
Can I have a part-time job, participate in an organized sport, schedule vacation, or participate in other recreational activities outside of the program?
The RBS B-STAR Program is designed to increase student proficiency through consistent engagement and academic rigor. Therefore, all students are be required to schedule other responsibilities or appointments on weekends and outside the programming schedule. Students found in violation may be dismissed from the program immediately.
If I choose not to participate in Phase I of the program, can I still be a part of the RBS B-STAR program in the fall?
No. Membership in the overall RBS B-STAR Program is contingent upon participation and successful completion of Phase I of the program. We strongly encourage students to participate in Phase I of the program because it is the introduction to Rutgers University and Rutgers Business School's rigors.