Free W. P. Carey School program helps with college prep

Many students worry about whether they can get into a good university and whether they will be ready for college. For the second year, the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is offering a free “bridge program” to help Arizona students with the transition from high school to university business school. The Fleischer Business Scholars Program is open to select minority and economically disadvantaged students and will take place this June at ASU.

“This program is designed specifically to help students who want to succeed in the business world – to become future business leaders – and who could use some extra guidance on applying to a good school and obtaining financial aid,” explains W. P. Carey School of Business Dean Robert Mittelstaedt. “We want to reach students who otherwise might not be exposed to this type of program or college visits, and we want to help them learn about business careers and how to get started on the road to success.”

The Fleischer Business Scholars Program is available only to students in the summer between their junior and senior years. Local entrepreneur Morton Fleischer and his wife, Arizona State University graduate Donna Fleischer, donated the scholarships for the program, which will run from June 5 to 10 this year. High school counselors and teachers are encouraged to help identify strong candidates interested in business to apply by the April 1 deadline.

During the Fleischer Business Scholars Program, students will stay with supervising mentors in Barrett, the Honors College, at ASU’s Tempe campus. They will work with current W. P. Carey School students and faculty members, as well as business leaders. Activities will cover resume writing, college study skills, group projects, university application tips, financial aid and other practical areas.

“We want to empower these students so they’re knowledgeable and motivated to get into a good business school,” says Tim Desch, assistant dean for undergraduate admissions, who runs the program.

About 30 students will be chosen for this year’s event. For more information, call (480) 965-5187, e-mail tim.desch@asu.edu or visit www.wpcarey.asu.edu/summerscholar.

“We want to help educate young people about the boundless opportunities and achievements America and freedom provide us,” says Morton Fleischer. “We hope some of these students will add to the legacy that American entrepreneurs and business people have accomplished.”