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The ������Ƶ School of Management’s (SOM) Transformational Leaders Program has earned INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s 2023 Inspiring Programs in Business Award, casting a national spotlight on its work of helping students chart a course toward successful business careers.

Launched in 2021, the three-year Transformational Leaders Program provides individualized guidance for SOM students from underserved populations or those who may be facing economic challenges.

The program’s award was announced Thursday, March 2 by , the country’s top diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. It recognized the program for having inspired and encouraged young people to consider careers in business through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.

Jerah Reeves, the program’s coordinator, said this recognition wouldn’t be possible without the commitment each of the 39 students currently enrolled in the program have shown in applying what they’ve learned. Part of what makes this program successful, he said, is that each student’s plan over the course of three years is tailored to his or her specific needs.

“I’m very proud of this award and I believe it affirms our unique approach of supporting, retaining, educating and engaging with students,” Reeves said. “The students have really helped shape the kind of experience they want to get out of this program. Without these special students, neither this program nor this honor would exist for SOM.”

During each year of the program, students focus on developing a specific skill set. In the first year, students center on self-knowledge by focusing on oral communication, goal setting and accountability. The second year prioritizes working effectively within teams and groups, while the third year focuses on coaching and mentorship. Students eventually become mentors to new students in the program and are encouraged to take on leadership roles around campus.

Established with the support of alumni donors, the program also fosters professional experiences by allowing students to participate in industry visits and meetings with top executives from major companies.

More than half the program’s students have secured or participated in a business-related internship through their second year, Reeves said, and the majority of students have increased their GPAs since enrolling in the program.

Looking ahead, Reeves hopes the program will be able to expand and draw in more students who could benefit from this type of individualized guidance.

“I’ve seen my students overcome insurmountable obstacles and it reminds me that there are so many others out there who we could be reaching,” Reeves said. “Students who leave this program will truly become transformational leaders and they can utilize these skills academically, professionally and in many other aspects of their lives. This program is opening doors for our students and I’m proud to have implemented it.”

“Students in our innovative Transformational Leaders Program are proving their ability to become change agents by overcoming barriers and cultivating strong leadership skills,” said SOM Dean Shelley Dionne. “We’re honored this program has received such a distinguished award and I’m confident the success stories of these students in years to come will serve as a further testament to its worth.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity featured the Transformational Leadership Program’s award in the magazine’s April 2023 issue.