The Edwardson Civic Scholars Program at Chicago Booth offers a full-tuition scholarship for Evening and Weekend MBA applicants committed to public- or social-sector careers.
In addition to taking courses as an MBA student, Edwardson Scholars join a cohort experience that includes specialized programming, dedicated faculty directors, and unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders in the civic space. Booth’s Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation ensures the Edwardson Civic Scholars Program integrates the school's business fundamentals with evidence-based research and experience-based learning opportunities that bolster your social sector work.
Interested in applying to the program? The application deadline is June 5, 2026 for Autumn Quarter 2026. If you have questions about the application process, please email Evening-Weekend-Admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu.
The process to be considered for the Edwardson Civic Scholars Program is straightforward. For additional details, see Part-Time MBA Admissions.
Here’s how the Edwardson Civic Scholars process takes shape.
“The Edwardson Civic Scholars are diverse and highly accomplished. Despite this diversity of backgrounds (or perhaps through it), the scholars share a common passion for excellence in serving and improving lives.”
—Teddy Niedermaier, '21, Edwardson Civic Scholar
As an Edwardson Civic Scholar, you will join a close-knit group of fellow public- and social-sector professionals throughout your MBA journey. Together, you will form a supportive network of scholars who will help and encourage one other to grow personally and professionally.
In both the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA Programs, you will broaden your network and meet professionals who work in different roles and fields. Beyond campus, you’ll also have access to our worldwide community of 60,000 Booth alumni.
In addition to having one of the largest Career Services teams among all MBA programs, our students become well equipped to have an immediate impact in their organizations. They learn how to confidently think through problems, implement vetted solutions, and bring others along in a way that guides an organization to success.
With a focus on equity, Janine aims to build partnerships and data-driven solutions that translate philanthropic investment into positive outcomes.
Janine Franklin
The founder of a nonprofit, Michael strives to open pathways to the social sector for young people who want to create meaningful change.
Michael Michaelson
Will aims to combine entrepreneurship and investment and open doors for those who have been excluded from local economic growth.
William (Will) Portnof
Working at the intersection of economics, policy, and politics, Rebecca aims to build the skills she needs to scale her organization’s impact.
Rebecca Shi
Suz enrolled at Chicago Booth with the goal of applying her expertise to developing solutions that make reproductive healthcare more accessible to all.
Suzanne (Suz) Warshell
Joseph T. and Bernice S. Lewis Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing
Pradeep Chintagunta
As an Edwardson Civic Scholar, you’ll enjoy a special partnership with the Rustandy Center, Chicago Booth’s destination for people committed to tackling complex social and environmental problems. The center offers hands-on learning opportunities, supports innovative courses, and pursues research—all with the goal of developing people and practices that have the potential to solve the world’s biggest issues.
A new group of social sector leaders entered Booth’s MBA Program this fall.
Chicago Booth Welcomes New Cohort of Edwardson Civic Scholars
The investment from longtime benefactors John Edwardson, MBA ’72, and Fran Edwardson is the latest in their history of supporting social impact at the school.
Booth Receives $14 Million in Commitments to Support Civic Scholars Program
Neubauer Civic Scholars find immediate use and long term insights in the MBA curriculum.
Finding New Perspectives in the Social Sector
The first step in joining our transformational Civic Scholars Program is to apply for admission.