Early Leader Program

The BNSF Early Leader Program, funded by a gift from BNSF Railway headquartered in Fort Worth is a four semester program that accepts business-intended freshman and sophomores. This is a cohort program that includes taking select common Goolsby-designated course(s) each semester. It provides an opportunity to learn basic leadership skills, connect with upper classmen Goolsby Scholars and to prepare for the Goolsby Emerging Leader Program.

During their tenure with the Academy, scholars will interact with distinguished business faculty and executives who inspire, share their wisdom and mentor the scholars.

The three Academy core values serve as a foundation for all we do.

Integrity - Courage - Impact

Program Details

Admission Criteria

UTA GPA of 3.1+ for current students
Freshman or sophomore
Business‑intended student or business major
Enrolled full time
Meet at least one academic benchmark:
Top 20% of high school class or 3.5+ high school GPA
SAT 1230
ACT of 26

Program Benefits

$500 scholarship each semester ($250 for first semester)
Understand unique talents and strengths
Develop leadership skills
Interact with a diverse group of fellow business students
Connect with upper‑classmen Goolsby Scholars
Prepare & apply for the Goolsby Emerging Leader Program

Early Leader Application Details

The Early Leader Program conducts its primary recruitment cycle in the spring for current UTA students and in the summer for incoming first-year students, with supplemental recruitment periods in the fall and spring based on program capacity.

Applicants must complete an online application and short essay to be considered for selection into the Academy.

For additional questions, please contact us at goolsbyacademy@uta.edu.

Early Leader Application