The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) today announced its Class of 2026 Scholars, awarding $1.5 million in scholarships to 100 students from colleges and universities across the country.
The 2026 class represents 46 institutions and a broad range of academic disciplines, from computer science, data and cybersecurity to finance, engineering, business and supply chain management. Nearly three-quarters of the scholars attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), continuing the important role these institutions play in preparing talent for leadership across business and industry.
"For nearly 40 years, The ELC has understood that strong leadership pipelines must be built intentionally," said Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. "These scholars are already demonstrating the academic excellence, leadership and drive that will prepare them to make meaningful contributions to the companies and institutions they will one day serve."
This year's scholars also represent a broad cross-section of colleges and universities across the country, bringing perspectives shaped by HBCUs, public research universities and private institutions, with academic interests spanning business, finance, engineering, technology, healthcare, public policy and the humanities.
Twenty-five are studying computer science, information technology, data or cybersecurity; 22 are pursuing finance, investment or banking; 17 are studying business, management or supply chain; and 10 are pursuing engineering. Others are studying accounting, economics, marketing, communications, public policy and related disciplines.
"For many students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college, a scholarship can change what is possible long after graduation," said Leah N. Wade, Senior Director of Philanthropy at The Executive Leadership Council. "Every dollar a student does not have to borrow gives them a stronger financial starting point as they enter the workforce. It gives them greater freedom to make decisions about their careers, begin building assets and create the conditions for economic mobility. We want these scholars to begin their professional lives with momentum, and investing in them now gives them an important head start."
Beyond the classroom, 95 percent of this year's scholars have documented leadership experience on campus and 65 percent have completed internships, giving many of them meaningful professional experience well before graduation. Thirty percent are the first generation in their families to attend college.
The announcement comes as The ELC approaches its 40th anniversary and looks toward the next chapter of its work: ensuring that the leadership pipeline remains strong, prepared and capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly complex business environment.
As The ELC enters its fifth decade, the Class of 2026 reflects the continuity at the center of its mission. Strengthening leadership over time begins well before an executive title. It begins by identifying promising talent, investing in preparation and creating the relationships and experiences that allow leadership to develop.
For The ELC and its partners, it means the scholarship represents the beginning of a longer relationship with emerging leaders who are still building their experience, networks and understanding of what leadership requires.
Academic institutions represented this year include: Alabama A&M University, Bowie State University, Case Western Reserve University, Clark Atlanta University, Clark University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Dillard University, Duke University, Fayetteville State University, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Indiana University, Johnson C. Smith University, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University, Santa Clara University, Spelman College, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, The Ohio State University, Tuskegee University, University of Connecticut, University of Georgia, University of Houston, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Michigan, University of Missouri, University of North Texas, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia and Xavier University of Louisiana.
The 2026 ELC Scholars are supported through the Alvaro L. Martins Legacy, Ann Fudge Signature, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Cencora, Ecolab, HSBC, Lowe's Marvin R. Ellison Emerging Leaders, O L Toliver Voices of Power Signature, Ronald C. Parker Legacy and Synchrony Scholarships, as well as The Coca-Cola Foundation's Award for Excellence in Business Commentary.
The ELC Marks 40 Years of Developing Leaders
Founded in 1986, The ELC is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of developing leaders who perform at the highest levels of business and strengthening the leadership pipeline that sustains that excellence.
The 2026 ELC Recognition Gala will take place Friday, October 30, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television journalist and Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier, the black-tie celebration will feature a special musical performance by 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Chaka Khan. The Gala is the signature fundraising event of The ELC's 2026 Gala Week, October 28–31, which will bring together more than 3,000 members, students, senior executives and business leaders as The ELC celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Gala Week is designed to span the leadership journey. The Honors Symposium connects ELC Scholars with senior executives and hiring managers as they prepare to enter the workplace. The Mid-Level Managers' Symposium develops high-performing professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibility. Corporate Board Navigator helps ELC members prepare for corporate board service.
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