The Forté Foundation is a non-profit organization that is committed to empowering women who are interested in pursuing a career in business through education, research, networking, and coaching.
Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has aimed to increase the number of women applying to and enrolling in MBA programs by providing various resources, such as scholarships, events, webinars, and leadership conferences.
We highlight some of the key initiatives of the Forté Foundation below.
MBA Scholarships and Fellowships for Women
Forté partners with renowned business schools worldwide to offer scholarships and fellowships to women pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. These scholarships aim to alleviate the financial burden on female students and encourage them to take up leadership positions in the business world. It is worth noting that Forté grants scholarships and fellowships based on merit and extracurricular activities, regardless of whether the applicants are enrolled in the program or not.
Forté Fellowships are widely recognized, prestigious, and competitive awards within the business school community. Forté Fellows are distinguished by their exceptional leadership qualities, represent diverse backgrounds, and demonstrate a commitment to advancing women in business, all of which are aligned with Forté's mission. Forté's partner business schools have granted more than $400 million in scholarships to over 17,000 Forté Fellows to date.
Forté grants scholarships and fellowships, regardless of whether the applicants are enrolled in the program or not.
Forté MBA Launch Program
The Forté MBA Launch program is a program specifically designed to help women prepare for an MBA. It offers guidance on GMAT or GRE preparation, understanding the application process, and networking with business school representatives, alumni, and peers.
This program is highly beneficial for women who are planning to pursue an MBA degree, as it provides a structured roadmap for the application process. Participants are connected with a peer support group and can attend webinars on various topics such as school selection, application strategy, and financing your MBA. Additionally, participants gain access to a network of professionals and get insights from admissions professionals, alumni, and students from top business schools.
If you're a woman considering an MBA and you're eligible for this program, it could be a valuable resource to help you navigate the complexities of the application process and build a strong foundation for your business education and career. The cost for this 8-month program is $750 at the time of writing this post.
Throughout the program, live virtual sessions typically take place on Tuesdays from noon-1 pm ET or 7:30-8:30 pm ET. Sessions are subject to change based on speaker availability.
Here are a few points to note about this program:
Eight months of guided learning to help you showcase your unique story.
100+ hours of application advice and admissions insights, test prep, professional development, and more.
Advising appointments and exclusive events with admissions experts
Career and Leadership Development
The foundation offers a variety of events, workshops, and webinars to improve career development and leadership skills for women of all career stages. One notable example is their yearly Career Takeoff Conference, a one-day virtual conference designed for early professionals who want to start their first job strongly and/or better navigate their professional path. The conference includes keynote workshops led by industry experts, personal skills assessments, peer networking, and provides tools to support women throughout their career journey.
The Forté Foundation is crucial in shaping women's business education and leadership landscape. Providing a robust network and resources assists women in acquiring the skills and confidence required to succeed and lead in the business world. Whether you are a college student, a budding MBA scholar, or a professional looking to advance in your career, the Forté Foundation offers valuable support and guidance.