Scholarship Program Aims to Increase Inclusivity in Graduate Business Education
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global association representing leading graduate business schools, proudly announced the winners of the 2024 GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship for the Europe region. Now in its third year, this prestigious program is designed to make graduate management education more accessible by reducing barriers for underrepresented groups. The initiative particularly encourages applications from individuals such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, socio-economically diverse candidates, LGBTQ+, and non-binary individuals.
Through this scholarship, GMAC aims to break down long-standing barriers that have historically limited access to higher education opportunities in business for diverse communities. The scholarship program highlights GMAC’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that graduate management education reflects the growing diversity in the workforce.
Diverse Scholars Selected to Promote Inclusivity
Out of over 200 applicants representing a broad range of backgrounds across 35 countries, 10 outstanding winners were selected to receive the GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship. Each recipient will benefit from a scholarship package valued at $5,000 (€4,500). The winners, all from unique and diverse backgrounds, showcase the power of diversity in creating a more equitable business education environment.
Nalisha Patel, GMAC’s Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the importance of the scholarship in addressing the inequalities that persist in the business education sector. Disparities and the lack of representation within the business sector and academic institutions remain a major hurdle. When diverse voices are excluded, innovation suffers, and systemic inequalities are reinforced. This scholarship is part of our commitment to changing that by opening doors for underrepresented talent,” Patel stated. “By fostering a more inclusive business landscape, we not only reflect the richness of society but also strengthen it for the better.”
Scholarship Package and Additional Support
In addition to the financial award, each scholarship recipient will receive an extensive support package designed to help them succeed in their GMAT preparation and their academic journey. This includes a voucher covering the full cost of the GMAT exam, a GMAT Official Practice Exam package, and a year-long subscription to a meditation app to help manage stress throughout the preparation process.
Further benefits include a GMAT preparation course led by a professional instructor, sessions with a professional admissions consultant, and an online cultural course for those planning to study abroad. These additional resources aim to ensure that recipients are fully equipped to pursue their business education goals. To acknowledge the exceptional calibre of applicants this year, seven runners-up have also been awarded a GMAT Official Guide to support their exam preparation.
Industry Collaboration and Sponsorship
The scholarship program is made possible by the generous contributions of several industry partners, including 700+ Club, CoVent Prep, Dia Gerontoudi Prep Center, English Business Services (EBS), GMAT Amsterdam, Your GMAT Coach, Fortuna Admissions, and CulturaGo. These partners play a crucial role in supporting the scholarship and helping underrepresented groups succeed in their academic pursuits.
Nalisha Patel further expressed her gratitude, saying, “We want to thank each of our sponsors for their invaluable contribution. Scholarships like these help address disparities within business schools, but the work doesn’t stop here. Further efforts are essential to foster inclusive environments that enable all talented individuals to succeed, paving the way for a more equitable and promising future for the entire business community.
Winners Committed to Making a Positive Impact
The 2024 GMAT scholarship winners represent a diverse group of individuals dedicated to creating meaningful change in areas such as healthcare, finance, diversity, and environmental sustainability. These recipients have demonstrated a commitment to using business education as a tool for solving real-world problems and driving positive societal impact. Their ambition and dedication underscore the vital role that inclusivity plays in shaping the future of business and leadership.
