Skip to main content

KNOXVILLE — East Tennessee high school students will have a chance to explore the world of business and possible business careers during a new summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Called “Business Education for Talented Students” (BETS), this weeklong, residential program will run June 21-28. The program targets students from communities that have been historically underrepresented in business. There is no cost to participate.

BETS is designed to introduce 25 rising seniors from diverse backgrounds to the various business majors offered at UT — accounting, finance, marketing, economics, human resource management, public administration, enterprise management, logistics and statistics.

Students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average. Complete eligibility requirements and application are available at http://bus.utk.edu/diversity. Applications are being accepted through May 16.

Program funding is provided by UT College of Business Administration alumnus Andy Taylor, a partner in the Memphis financial investment firm Gerber/Taylor Associates.

“One of Andy’s goals is to ensure that the college’s future students are prepared to enter the exciting world of business,” said Sarah Gardial, associate dean of academic programs. “The BETS program will introduce students to the opportunities available in our college and give them the opportunity to become familiar with UT and life on campus.”

Taylor said he wants high school students “to realize that they can achieve their dreams as long as they stay focused, work hard and get an education.

“My hurdles to success were many. I’d like to make it easier for our future leaders to achieve their goals.”

Students will participate in professional development, real-world simulations, challenging team-building activities and business instruction led by the college’s faculty. In addition to attending classes, students will interact with professionals from business and government during organizational visits, plant tours and guest lectures.


Contacts:

Amy Blakely, (865) 974-5034, amy.blakely@tennessee.edu