Bentley University's award-winning Rainbow Scholars program is a one-year-long intersectional leadership development program, open to undergraduate students of all class years. Established in Fall 2022 by the Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Programs (GSSP) and the Center for Women and Business (CWB), the program offers LGBTQ+ students and allies the opportunity to engage more critically and meaningfully with their queer and trans identities as members of our campus community. The program provides opportunities for Rainbow Scholars to grow both personally and professionally by developing their knowledge and skills in areas such as self-advocacy, intersectionality, inclusive leadership, and community-building. Additionally, Rainbow Scholars work together to facilitate workshops for the community as part of the annual Rainbow Conference hosted each spring. Scholars receive $500 each semester for their program involvement.
Program Goals:
Broaden Your Understanding
Understand intersectional leadership through identity awareness and self-advocacy. Explore how LGBTQ+ identity intersects with other identities at Bentley and in the workplace.
Foster an Environment
Gain tools for creating inclusive environments through workshops, forums, dialogues, and networking events, helping students bring their authentic selves to Bentley and beyond.
Professional Development Opportunities
Real World Application
The program's curriculum goes beyond traditional leadership development, promoting personal and professional growth. It uses real-world experiences and inclusive practices to engage the Bentley community through dialogue and connections.
What You Should Know
Please note this is a year-long program, and selected participants are committed to prioritizing the Rainbow Scholars program from September to April each year. Key dates for the program are listed below:
- August 31, 2026 – Application Opens
- September 11, 2026 – Application Closes
- September 18, 2026 – Decisions Released
Throughout the academic year, Rainbow Scholars develop the skills and knowledge to become agents of change at Bentley and beyond. Working alongside faculty and staff, Scholars explore issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities, conduct research, and identify opportunities to foster greater inclusion. Their work culminates in the Rainbow Conference, where Scholars engage the Bentley community around their research and, importantly, offer actionable recommendations for how Bentley can become a more inclusive campus for LGBTQ+ students and community members. The conference gives Scholars an opportunity to move from learning to action, using their voices and perspectives to help shape the future of our campus community.
This program is available to all LGBTQ+ and/or allied undergraduate students of any class year. Please note that first-year students are welcome to apply! Upon accepting a position within the program, students must agree to the following:
- Attend two (2) Intersectional Leadership courses and the appropriate leadership assessments
- Participate in required workshops, seminars, and community outreach each semester
- Attend two (2) mandatory retreats: fall orientation and a spring overnight retreat, which takes place off-campus
- Participate in a research and community engagement project for the Rainbow Conference
Rainbow Scholars is open to LGBTQ+ and allied undergraduate students of all class years who want to grow, connect, and make an impact.
The program is a great fit for students who:
- Want to strengthen their personal and professional leadership skills
- Are interested in exploring how gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity intersect with leadership
- Want to build community and meaningful connections with LGBTQ+ peers, allies, faculty, staff, and professionals
- Care about creating a more inclusive Bentley community and want the tools to turn ideas into action
- Want to use their voice and experiences to advocate for change on campus and beyond
You do not need prior leadership experience to apply. We’re looking for students who are curious, committed, and ready to grow.
Hear from alumni
Support Rainbow Scholars Initiative
Advisors
Celebrating the Inaugural Class of Rainbow Scholars
Bentley University’s Rainbow Scholars Program proudly introduces its first cohort of students, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower LGBTQ+ students through leadership development, community engagement, and self-advocacy. The program highlights Bentley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a vibrant campus culture.
Gender and Sexuality Student Programs Office
Gender and Sexuality Student Programs provides a welcoming and supportive environment for all students to engage with topics of gender and sexuality. We offer educational programs, dialogues, and campus-wide workshops to create a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate community. We welcome all members of campus and strive to develop inclusive student leaders who celebrate gender, sexuality, and their intersection with other dimensions of identity.
Bentley Center for Women and Business
Bentley’s Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business (CWB) is a catalyst for amplifying the power of all women from the classroom to the boardroom to drive equity and innovation in the business world. The CWB partners with various departments and student groups across campus to enhance the women+ experience at Bentley. Our offerings, including educational training sessions, networking opportunities, and immersive experiences, focus on leadership development and provide students, faculty, and staff with a supportive environment to develop strategies that transform their knowledge into action. Committed to making Bentley the preferred business school for women+, the CWB empowers and advocates for the next generation of women+ leaders.