Baker Scholars

In this rigorous, three-semester program, students gain immersive, hands-on experience, forge meaningful connections with industry leaders and engage directly with local, regional and global firms. They tackle the growing complexities of today's business world and develop core competencies that are critical to life, work and leadership.

Similiar to a management development program developed by top employers, students leverage a mix of skill building, relationship development and deep personal reflection as they discover how to serve with faith and excellence. 

Develop knowledge and skills in: 

• Authenticity
• Conflict management 
• Critical thinking 
• Empathy
• Networking 
• Self-awareness 
• Values and balance 

Take part in:

• Leadership case competitions 
• Meet the Leader conversations 
• Professional workshops 
• Team challenges 
• Trips to cities such as:
  • Boston, Indianapolis, New York, St. Louis 
  • Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Paris, Tokyo 

Visit companies such as:

• Amazon
• Google
• Eli Lilly and Company 
• J.P. Morgan 
• Meta
• Stifel 
• Stryker 

“The leadership development program really helped me grow into myself as a young professional. Being part of a community where I was constantly challenged — through workshops, team projects and real business cases — pushed me to think critically and lead with more confidence.”
—Ella Contant (2026)

To be considered for selection to the Baker Scholars Program, student applicants must be:

1. A Hope College sophomore with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 for your first four semesters.
2. A declared major in business, accounting or economics. All accounting and business majors must have completed three out of the following four classes (with a C or higher): ACCT 221, BUS 222, ECON 211 or ECON 212. All economics majors must have completed ECON 211 and ECON 212 (with a C or higher). 
3. Dedicated to pursuing a career in business.
4. Willing and able to actively participate in the Baker Scholars Program for the next three semesters. Planned participation in an off-campus semester during the first two semesters is not allowed. Participation is allowed during the third semester.
5. All applicants must be sophomores going into their junior year (based on both credit hours and the date you began college).