First-Generation Business Summit

The camp is open to first-generation students who are entering their tenth-grade year of high school through students who have just graduated high school.

Attending the College of Business First-Generation Summit is entirely free! Accepted students enjoy six days of activities and experience campus life – sleeping in residence halls and eating in dining centers – at no cost.

Case competitions simulate real-world business challenges, and give teams scenarios to analyze a business problem, develop a solution using management, marketing, finance and other skills, then present their solutions to a panel of judges. The teams with the top business pitch on the final day of the First-Generation Business Summit will receive prizes.

While your parents are welcome to visit Fort Collins and CSU during the Summit, we can only provide food, lodging and activities for attendees. We’d be glad to help connect your parents to admissions or financial aid counselors while they’re here to answer their questions about college.

Parents are invited, and strongly encouraged, to attend the closing ceremony on July 27, where students will be recognized for their efforts during the summit.

The College of Business is committed to helping first-generation students find a community and success. We support several clubs, communities and events that provide friends and services to first-gen students while celebrating their unique viewpoints that enrich our campus culture. 

The First-Generation Business Association brings first-gen students together during monthly workshops, mentorship opportunities, networking events with professionals. The Latinx Business Association offers Latinx-identifying students the chance to find a community within the College of Business, while taking part in service and outreach events, professional development courses and academic support groups. The Women in Business Association welcomes members of all identities at the undergraduate and graduate level who are pursuing a business degree or business minor in the College. WIBA hosts events that connect students with business professionals, engages in community-building activities and recruiting events.

College of Business students are also welcome to join other clubs and organizations!

By the end of the week, you’ll have explored the Fort Collins community, experienced life as a College of Business student and taken part in your first business case competition. The closing ceremony is your opportunity to be recognized for the work you’ve done and the lessons you’ll take with you as you continue your academic journey. 

Teams who ranked in the top three of the case competition will also be awarded prizes and recognized for their presentation skills.

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the closing ceremony. Students will be asked to check out of their dormitory at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The Summit summer program offers an enriching experience for high school students from across the region. To accommodate those traveling long distances, we provide van pick-up services to areas with a high concentration of attendees. Pick-up locations will be shared once all students are accepted, ensuring smooth travel logistics.

All students will need to be picked up by a parent or guardian at the end of the summit.

• Clothes for one week
• A weather appropriate jacket 
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• A water bottle
• Sunscreen 
• Toiletries: tooth brush, toothpaste, shower caddy, body wash, face wash, etc. 
• An extra blanket
• Any medication you’ll need for the week