First Year Business Programs
Menard Family Scholar Program
The year-long Menard Family Scholars Program is for outstanding freshman business students. The cohort-based program provides one-on-one mentoring, alumni connections, and industry learning trips. These scholars benefit from early access to the College of Business Career Development Program, specialized advising, and career shadowing experiences.
MAPS Summer Bridge Program
MAPS is a two-week program designed to prepare incoming first-generation, Pell-eligible, and all other students who are in-state or eligible for approved in-state tuition waiversfor the academic rigor of the university environment. Students are provided the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the K-State campus and services. Students experience industry tours and meet professionals and faculty who can serve as mentors throughout their college careers. Participants will also have access to professional, cultural, scholarship, and academic opportunities not available to other students. It is the MAPS mission to challenge and support students as they make the transition to college, with the ultimate goal of student success at Kansas State University.
Students eligible through the Missouri Match or Wildcat Nonresident Award should first complete their tuition waiver application. Once the waiver has been processed and approved, they will be able to complete the MAPS application form.
KOMPASS
Kompass is a free three-day extended summer orientation and freshman-year retention program designed to accelerate academic success for incoming first-generation, Pell-eligible, and all other freshmen who are in-state or eligible for approved in-state tuition waivers, in Agriculture, Arts & Sciences, APDesign, Business, Education, Engineering, and Health & Human Sciences.
Students eligible through the Missouri Match or Wildcat Nonresident Award should first complete their tuition waiver application. Once the waiver has been processed and approved, they will be able to complete the Kompass application form.
Rise Up CAT Community
The Rise Up Cat Community is a welcoming, supportive community that also challenges you to succeed, because we see your potential and believe in what you can become. Designed for new business students who want both encouragement and accountability in your transition to K-State.
Jump Start business transfer program
Are you a business student looking to transfer to Kansas State University? The College of Business’ Jump Start transfer program is designed to help students adjust to life at K-State while giving them a leg up on coursework required for all business majors.
Students will participate in a three-week program August 3 – August 21. The program starts with an online portion from August 3- August 7, followed by an on-campus portion from August 10-21.
Herbel Accounting Fellows: Accounting Scholars
The Herbel Accounting Fellows program supports first-year and transfer students interested in accounting by promoting community, connection, and exploration. It provides opportunities for students to engage with the accounting profession and peers through experiential learning, skill development, and relationship building. Participants connect with faculty, alumni, and fellow students in a weekly course focusing on success skills and understanding accounting's role in business. Additionally, Fellows take intensive introductory accounting courses and participate in an annual trip to Washington, D.C. to meet industry professionals and explore the field further.
Sales Scholars Program
The Sales Scholars Program, part of the National Strategic Selling Institute, offers first-year students a head start in professional sales. Limited to 20 students per class, this competitive program offers a unique experience during your freshman and sophomore years allowing you to develop essential skills in relationship management, ethical selling, and leadership through hands-on learning, mentorship, and industry insights. This program lays a strong foundation for success in the dynamic world of sales, positioning students for future career opportunities and long-term growth.
Rise Up Scholars
Rise Up Scholars is a high-expectation leadership program where business students earn the Scholar title by demonstrating accountability, goal achievement, and trusted leadership each semester. The earned title of Rise Up Scholar comes with perks including scholarship opportunities, applied learning, travel, company tours, and specialized AI training.