About the Baker Scholars Program
What is the Baker Scholars Program?
The Bakers Scholars Program provides a select group of juniors and seniors in Georgetown College with a unique opportunity to connect their studies to the world of business. Applications are accepted from liberal arts majors in the spring semester of their sophomore year who are interested in exploring business and who will take full advantage of the valuable benefits the Program provides.
The Bakers Scholars Program was founded in 1973 thanks to seed funding from the estate of George F. Baker, a leading financier and philanthropist whose career spanned the mid 19th through early 20th centuries. Baker believed in nuturing and mentoring undergraduates in an effort to develop future business leaders who possessed both intellectual and social consciousness. Thirty-eight years later, the Baker Scholars Program at Georgetown continues to thrive.
The Baker Scholars Program is dynamic in nature. The Program enables and supports student-led initiatives that include retreats and educational business trips, in-depth discussions with industry leaders, and focused group projects. Scholars collaborate with Baker Trustees and Georgetown College throughout the year on Program initiatives, further developing their skills and professionalism.
Baker Scholars enhance their exposure to business through active engagement in service. Volunteer activities are developed and performed as a group and on an individual basis. Through their service to the community and to one another, Baker Scholars exemplify the Jesuit ideal women and men for others.
Baker Scholars are mentored by a group of Trustees, selected from over 300 Baker alumni around the country. The Trustees' positions in the business world, coupled with their experiences as Georgetown College students and Baker Scholars, enable them to give back to the Program in a unique manner. Trustees and representatives of Georgetown College select each class of Scholars.
What are the benefits of becoming a Baker Scholar?
Baker Scholars receive significant benefits including individual mentoring from Baker Trustees and alumni, the chance to experience the business world firsthand, and the introduction to life changing opportunities. Scholars who demonstrate need also receive financial aid. Baker Scholars are expected to make meaningful contributions to the Program, to Georgetown, and to the wider world. To be a Baker is to be a Baker for life.
Who are the Baker Scholars?
Baker Scholars demonstrate a strong academic record, a dedication to service, and an active interest in business. Working in collaboration with each other, Baker Trustees, Georgetown College, Baker Scholars exemplify the Jesuit ideal men and women for others. Baker Scholars are motivated and talented in different ways and represent a diversity of background and life experiences. There is no one ideal candidate. Sophomores from every academic major in the College may apply during their spring semester.
Who are the Trustees of the Baker Scholars Program?
Baker Trustees are selected primarily from over 300 Baker alumni around the country. The Trustees' positions in the business world, coupled with their experiences as Georgetown College students and Baker Scholars enable them to give back in a unique manner. Trustees and representatives of Georgetown College select each class of Baker Scholars.
Baker alumni comprise the Baker "web"- an active network of individuals who are connected by their shared experience as Baker Scholars and their commitment to supporting one another. From the moment they are selected, Scholars are encouraged to engage the Baker Trustees and Baker Web in a variety of ways, such as: scheduling time to meet a Baker alumna/us for coffee, reaching out to alumni in various cities via email and phone, and building a network of colleagues and mentors over time.
Who are the advisors of the Baker Scholars Program?
The Georgetown College Dean appoints representatives to advise the Baker Program. This group of advisors includes a member of the Georgetown Jesuit Community and faculty, as well as a Decanal Advisor and a Program Coordinator. These individuals play an important synthetic role between Georgetown College and the Baker Program.
What are the highlights of the Baker Scholars Program?
The Baker Scholars Program provides opportunities for a select group of Georgetown College students to explore the world of business. The Program is dynamic in nature. Scholars collaborate with Trustees and Georgetown College throughout the year on Program initiatives such as educational business trips, discussions with industry leaders, and focused group projects. Program highlights include:
- Individual mentoring from Baker Trustees and Baker alumni
- Support for student-led initiatives, including:
- Planning retreats in the spring and fall
- Educational trips to major US cities to explore diverse business environments
- Discussions with industry leaders
- Focused projects, such as consulting engagements and special events
- Service projects in the greater Washington, DC community
- Financial aid benefits for those who qualify
- A lifetime connection to a select group of Georgetown Alumni
