It's a known fact. Minorities have always been an underrepresented presence at higher education institutions offering advanced degrees across the United States. The statistics have been grim for a number of years. But that seems to be changing, with the constant growing number of advocates and supporting associations. Let's take a look at what's changing at business schools with minority MBAs.

Soaring Statistics
In recent years the number of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and women enrolled in an MBA program have begun to increase. According to the 2006 Application Trends Survey Report from the GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council), women comprised about 50 percent of the student body in executive programs, a 14 percent increase from the year before. And U.S. minority MBAs increased from 18 percent in 2005 to 35 percent in 2006. The numbers are looking good, as MBA organizations work to continue the rise in minority MBAs.

Opportunities with Organizations
What started as an independent study project by a Harvard MBA student named John Rice turned into a non-profit organization that promotes minority MBAs, known as the Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). The MLT provides the most minorities to the top ten MBA programs in the country. With test prep, career advice, and support, the MLT is a great resource for any minority MBA.

There are also three different MBA organizations that represent different parts of the minority population. They include the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) and the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA). All of these MBA organizations strive for excellence among their group and the ability to advance and overcome obstacles. Not only do they provide support, but they also offer various programs and lecture series in which aspiring students can participate and learn about MBA programs. And they usually include job opportunities as well.

Starting Young
But more than just when individuals are already in college or Graduate School, there are various programs that strive to get students involved in pursuing advanced degrees while they are young. One such program is the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program in Business. Here, talented high school minority students apply to attend one of 12 prestigious business schools for three weeks over summer break. Some schools include The Johnson School at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY), Tuck at Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH), and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA). The LEAD program gives students a bit of a business background, while also providing insight to college life. According to their Web site, 50 percent of LEAD alumni are pursuing or have pursued their MBA.

Minority MBAs and You
Most businesses require an MBA these days, so it seems that business school is necessary. But is it for you? Talk to current students, employers, and counselors in order to weigh your options. Also be sure to investigate the financial obligation and the time commitment of earning an MBA. With the right information and motivation, you just might be the next student to achieve success as a minority MBA! Good luck.

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About the author:
http://www.collegesurfing.com/content
Gina LaGuardia is the Editor-in-Chief of The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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