Diversity at Wharton
We strive to ensure our community is representative of the global environment. It includes students of myriad backgrounds. The exchange of ideas among students and faculty from different backgrounds and perspectives creates a powerful environment for learning and leadership development.
U.S. students of color*
identify as female
are international students
Commitment to Diversity
At Wharton, diversity is not defined by geography, gender or professional background, but by how life experiences have shaped the members of our class. We’re committed to you as an individual, and we celebrate the diversity in our community, knowing that it enriches us all. Whatever your background or lifestyle, you’ll find the support you need at Wharton and Penn. Cultural and affinity organizations such as the African American MBA Association, Greater China Club, Out4Biz, and Return on Equality nurture an appreciation for diverse cultures and, provide a community for students who share similar backgrounds and interests.
Annual Events
Explore Wharton: Diversity in Action
This two-day event focuses on prospective Wharton MBA students who are women, members of underrepresented minority groups, or identify as LGBTQ. You’ll meet current students and administrators, attend classes with our top professors, and have your questions answered about the admissions process. Explore Wharton is co-sponsored by the African American MBA Association (AAMBAA), Wharton Hispanic American MBA Association (WHAMBAA), Wharton Women in Business (WWIB), Out for Business (Out4Biz) and Wharton’s MBA Admissions Office.
Wharton Diversity Information Sessions
Join us at our next Wharton Diversity Information Session, hosted by admissions staff and alumni. Explore our programs, curriculum, and student life, and get an insider’s perspective on our admissions philosophy and process.
Whitney M. Young Conference
One of the largest student-run African-American business conferences in the country, AAMBAA (African American MBA Association) — together with Wharton MBA Admissions — hosts an event for students of color to learn more about our student experience and the admissions process.
Students of Color
Student Clubs
African American MBA Association
AAMBAA supports the academic, professional, and social needs of African and African-American students. The club connects students with alumni of African descent to help them strengthen the black business network.
Wharton Hispanic American MBA Association
WHAMBAA aids the professional development of students of Latin American descent living and working in the U.S. The club sponsors social networking events and promotes career development and mentorship among students, alumni, and professionals.
Wharton Asian American Association of MBAs (Facebook)
The Wharton Asian American Association of MBAs (WAAAM) is the primary network for all Wharton students interested in expanding their professional and social networks within the Asian community in North America.
Partnerships
We work closely with national organizations to help the next generation of diverse business leaders, including:
Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)
MBA Jumpstart
National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)
National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA)
Sponsors for Educational Opportunities (SEO)
The Robert Toigo Foundation
* Students of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, Native-American/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian descent, and multiethnic backgrounds.
Gender Equality at Wharton
The MBA class of 2016 is 43% women, and we admit more women than any business school in the United States.
Wharton Women in Business (WWIB)
Open to MBA students, WWIB is a social and professional networking organization, providing opportunities with fellow students, alumnae, faculty, and businesses. WWIB organizes and sponsors a full slate of events for the Wharton community, including:
- The Annual WWIB Conference
- The WWIB Career Fair
- The Annual Distinguished Alumna Award and Reception
- Coffee Chats — which allow candidates to meet Wharton alumnae in locations around the globe
The Forté Foundation
The Forté Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting women leaders and increasing their access to educational and business networks. As a founding member of Forté, we engage in extensive outreach efforts to existing and prospective women business leaders in high schools, colleges, MBA programs, and business enterprises of all sizes.
Ellevate Network
Ellevate Network is a worldwide organization of 20,000+ members dedicated to creating a global community of exceptional women who define success on their own terms, both personally and professionally. As a key partner with Ellevate Network, we support women undergraduates and MBA students through mentoring and networking opportunities.
Wharton 22s
Gender equality is for all genders. This club aims to decrease gender disparities and change thought processes that lead to them by encouraging awareness, dialogue, and action on the part of men at Wharton.
LGBTQ Students
Our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community is an important part of Wharton. Both Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania are widely recognized as pushing for LGBTQ inclusion.
OUT4BIZ
Wharton’s Out for Business (Out4Biz) provides guidance to prospective students during the application process, serves as a professional and social club throughout a student’s two years at Wharton, and as a lifelong network to alumni after graduation. Out4Biz welcomes all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and ally MBA students as members. Membership is confidential, and individuals do not have to be “out” to join. Out4Biz also serves as a mediator for company recruitment at Wharton. From coffee chats and mentoring relationships to professional dinners and recruiting presentations, Out4Biz partners with select firms interested in attracting and retaining LGBTQ talent.
International Students
We’re proud of how we help students define the face of global business. International students gain exposure not only to U.S. culture, but to the cultures of faculty, alumni, and students from around the world.
We connect international students with both Wharton and community-run organizations, and work to ensure your time with us puts you in touch with the networks you need to succeed wherever you find yourself in the worldwide business community.
International Clubs and Conferences
We host several international clubs — including the Middle East/North Africa Club (MENA), Europa, the Wharton Asia Club, the India Club, and the Latin American Student Association — that provide support to students from specific cultural backgrounds. The Wharton Graduate Association provides a list of student clubs and conferences.
Europa! (Wharton European Club)
International Student and Scholar Services
University of Pennsylvania’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides support services through programs for international students to assist your academic and cross-cultural transitions.
ISSS also helps students who need to change their visa status or handle immigration issues.