From the Classroom to the Boardroom

From the classroom to the boardroom, Bentley University—anchored by the Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business (CWB)—prepares leaders to move from the classroom to the boardroom. Serving as a hub for women+ leadership development, the CWB connects students, professionals, and executives to the skills, networks, and experiences that accelerate advancement. From introducing high school students to leadership, confidence, and networking to supporting executives preparing for board service, Bentley bridges education with real-world leadership development. Through research-driven programs and industry partnerships, the CWB helps individuals and organizations address the barriers that slow leadership progression while building inclusive, high-performing cultures where innovation and business success can thrive.

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Women Leading the Way

Pre-College Programs

Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors, our pre-college summer programs provide an immersive introduction to college life—offering a glimpse into academics, residential living and the vibrant university community. Bentley's Pathways for Women in Business program fosters students in strengthening their leadership skills, expand their networks, and help them stand out in the college application process.

Women's Leadership Program

Undergraduate participants in the Women's Leadership Program develop skills and strategies for self-advocacy and advancement. Through the program, students gain an understanding of gender equity's value and impact, while discovering their strengths as leaders and team collaborators. The program offers women the support and hands-on experiences needed to advance into leadership roles including workshops, mentorship, special events and a tuition award of $40,000.

Global Women Scholars

Participants in the Global Women Scholars program develop the skills needed to lead in an interconnected world. Through workshops, mentorship, and a cohort-based learning experience, students explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and examine how business can drive global progress. Along the way, they build confidence in leadership, self-advocacy, and cross-cultural collaboration while developing the mindset and skills of global leaders. Scholars also receive dedicated advising, access to special events, and a stipend of up to $12,000 to support their international internship experience.

Gearing Up: A Career Catalyst For Women+

Gearing Up: A Career Catalyst for Women+ is a year-round leadership development experience designed to help early- to mid-career professionals overcome the barriers that often delay leadership advancement. Rooted in the CWB’s CORE Leadership Model, the cohort-based program combines in-person, virtual, and asynchronous learning to help participants build the confidence, resilience, influence, and engagement needed to navigate the “broken rung” and accelerate into leadership roles.

Designed for professionals strengthening their leadership capabilities and those transitioning from individual contributor to manager, the program focuses on navigating team dynamics, leading through complexity, and building inclusive, high-performing teams. Participants gain practical strategies they can immediately apply in the workplace while building a strong network of peers and mentors.

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Executive and Professional Education

Bentley is known for its innovative and impactful Executive Education programs, tailored to equip managers and executives with the knowledge and tools needed to excel as leaders. These interactive, short-course programs deliver practical, research-based insights and strategies that can be immediately applied to drive success in both team dynamics and individual performance.

MBA and Master's Programs

Bentley’s MBA programs and specialized master’s degrees offer both flexibility and customization to accelerate your career. The new Professional MBA program is specifically designed for professionals looking to excel as innovative business leaders in sustainable organizations utilizing emerging technologies. Students will find a supportive network of colleagues in this two year, cohort-based program with six focus areas to help you tailor your experience.

Executive PhD

Bentley's part-time Executive PhD program integrates real-world business experience with world-class research. For women ready to move into executive positions, this innovative, accelerated three-year program is tailored for seasoned business leaders seeking to deepen their industry expertise through a research-based curriculum that emphasizes data-driven methodologies along with practical application.

Bentley attracts women who are ambitious, driven, and smart. They care about themselves and the world around them. This unique combination allows them to use academic, campus and career opportunities to achieve success.

Yaro Fong-Olivares

Executive Director, Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business

New Partnership Supports Women in Business Leadership

Bentley has partnered with the nonprofit organization Forté Foundation to join an alliance of more than 200 top companies and schools dedicated to advancing women in business through access to business education, professional development and a community of successful women.