2026 Diversity Leadership Institute Student Application
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Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) is a transformative program designed to empower undergraduate marketing students from historically underrepresented identities who are passionate about advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Over the immersive four-day retreat, participants collaborate with their peers, faculty members, and industry leaders to address real-world DEIA challenges, reflect on the intersection of identity and leadership, and develop skills that will shape their future contributions to marketing.
The 2026 Diversity Leadership Institute will be hosted in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business in late June 2026 - exact dates to come.
In partnership with our academic host institution, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business, participants in DLI will:
- Gain foundational knowledge of the history and functions of marketing
- Gain knowledge of contemporary issues in marketing
- Participate in intergroup dialogue around issues of equity and social justice
- Collaborate with peers to research and present ethical solutions to current leadership issues in marketing
- Reflect on and articulate the influence of personal identities and histories on effective marketing leadership
- Engage in professional networking with marketing faculty and practitioners
Application Requirements:
- All applicants must be undergraduate students carrying full-time enrollment as defined by their institution (students graduating in Spring 2026 are also eligible and encouraged to apply)
- Applicants must hold an active AMA collegiate membership (non-chapter members eligible to apply). Not yet an AMA member? Click here to join today for $29/year for an undergraduate collegiate membership!
- Tell Your Diversity Story: Applicants who identify as a racial or ethnic minority, identify as LGBTQ, or have a documented disability are encouraged to apply. Additional identities considered, but not limited to, include first-generation college student, Veteran status, adult learner, Pell Grant eligibility, and more.
- Applicants must complete the online application form that includes a letter of recommendation, résumé, specific questions regarding their interest in the program, as well as demographic information
With the cost of food, travel and lodging covered, there is no reason for any student marketer to miss out on this life-changing experience!