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W. P. Carey School offers free college prep program


Assistant Dean Tim Desch
January 23, 2012

Business administration is now the No. 1 college major, according to The Princeton Review. The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is offering an opportunity for high school students to experience what it’s really like to attend one of the top business schools in the nation.

The annual Fleischer Scholars Program at the W. P. Carey School is open to economically disadvantaged students from across the state. About 40 will be chosen to participate. They will stay with supervising mentors in Barrett, the Honors College at ASU’s Tempe campus, while learning business skills and preparing for college.

“We want to help deserving students learn about business careers, how to apply for college and financial aid, and how to get on the road to success,” says Robert Mittelstaedt, dean of the W. P. Carey School, which has an undergraduate business program ranked Top 30 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. “The Fleischer Scholars Program is specifically designed to help those who might not normally be exposed to college visits.”

This is the third year of the program, available only to high school students between their junior and senior years. They will work with current W. P. Carey School students and faculty members, as well as local business leaders. They will learn resume writing, college study skills, university application tips, financial aid advice and other important information.

“These kids are in for a great week and an amazing experience,” says Sebastian Navarro, a student who participated in the program and now attends the W. P. Carey School of Business. “I can’t say enough how valuable this program was. I learned about the business school and did some incredible networking with the college staff. I also got a student mentor who still helps me plan out my classes, and I was able to choose a major based on what I learned. I got a feel for living in a dorm atmosphere and what college life is really like.”

The program will be held from June 10 to 15 this year. High school counselors and teachers are encouraged to identify strong candidates interested in business.

Applications are due March 1. More information can be found at wpcarey.asu.edu/summerscholar or by calling (480) 965-5187 or e-mailing Tim.Desch@asu.edu

All of the program’s scholarships are provided by local entrepreneur Morton Fleischer and his wife, Arizona State University graduate Donna Fleischer. They hope to educate young people about the boundless opportunities and achievements that the United States and freedom provide, so students can add to the impressive legacy of American entrepreneurs.