Summer Business Institute

An on-campus experience for college bound juniors from African-American, Latino and North American Indian heritages

Application/Brochure for 2008 Program (.pdf)

June 22 - 26, 2008
Seattle University

Students get taste of college, business
Article from The Seattle Times

The Program

During the Summer Business Institute in June students will stay in dorms and become acquainted with college coursework through a series of short workshops on accounting, finance, administration, international business, management, marketing and other areas.  Students will also learn about the college admissions process, financial aid and scholarships.  Current Seattle University students will be on hand all week to answer questions and provide support for the high school students.  Students will also visit the headquarters of Costco to learn from top executives about the skills students need for a successful career in business.

"We are pleased to be able to bring these outstanding high school students to campus and introduce them to the possibilities of studying business and a career in business," said Joe Phillips, dean of the Albers School of Business and Economics. "Many businesses are striving for a diverse work force and are actively seeking students of color with business degrees.  There will be many opportunities for these students and they need to know what their career options will be with the right preparation."

The first Summer Business Institute, with 18 students, took place June 23 - 26, 2003. Albers partnered with Gary Thomas, instructor of business and marketing at Garfield High School, to coordinate the SBI program and help identify a good mix of students who have the necessary grades and coursework to attend college.

SBI participant, Mr. Bryant, a senior from John F. Kennedy high school in Burien, was impressed with the program and particularly enjoyed meeting the Costco executives. "They explained how they make a profit in a down economy, showed us their financial statements and treated us like we were all business partners," said Bryant.  "After college I want to work as accountant for Costco."

For more information, contact:

Barbara Hauke, Albers School Director of Marketing and Communications, 206-296-5732

Gary Thomas, Program Director, 206-296-2177

Costco and Qwest Sponsor 2007 Program

This years Albers Summer Business Institute is sponsored by Costco Wholesale and Qwest. Thank you to both corporations for making this program possible.