Freshmen diversity programs?

Do they exist anymore and if so how does one find them? I heard some programs are now women only as opposed to race based?

6,179 WSO Academy Investment Banking Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Class of '21 Nov 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Mock Interview

“The session with Javier was excellent. We started by going through our backgrounds - it was interesting to hear how he moved from IB to running his own real estate portfolio at a small PE firm. We then covered the behavioural part, which was very useful, and the technical part, with a good range of questions on accounting, valuation and DCF. He gave clear points for improvement, especially on structuring behavioural answers and preparing for the tougher questions that come up in PE interviews. Very grateful - thank you!”

Thompson Rivers University

Class of '29 Nov 2026 Cohort

4.63/5

Investment Banking Career Roadmap (optional)

“The session was incredibly valuable because the mentor offered fresh perspectives and helped me look at my career goals from a different angle. They shared insights that I had not previously considered, which gave me a better understanding of the industry and the different paths I could pursue. I especially appreciated their willingness to share their experiences and provide thoughtful advice tailored to my situation. The conversation helped me think more critically about my next steps and how I can better position myself for future opportunities. Overall, I found the discussion insightful and genuinely helpful, and I left the session with new ideas and a broader perspective on my career journey.”

See All 11,422 WSO Academy Reviews

4 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

O

1y

Yes, freshmen diversity programs still exist, and they remain a valuable opportunity for students aiming to break into competitive industries like finance. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key insights:

Freshmen Diversity Programs

Goldman Sachs – Undergraduate Camp
- Description: Multi-day programs in NYC.
- Eligibility: URM (Underrepresented Minorities), Female, Freshman.
- Application Timeline: Opens every spring.
Citi – Freshman Discovery Diversity Program
- Description: A strong program that adds weight to your resume early on.
Wells Fargo – Freshman Diversity Finance Forum
- Description: A diversity-focused program for freshmen.
Barclays – Freshman Foundation
- Description: A 1-day program in NYC.
- Eligibility: URM/Female/LGBT/Veteran/Disability.
Morgan Stanley – Early Insights Program
- Description: Various 1-day firm-wide programs in NYC.
- Eligibility: URM/Female/LGBT/Veteran, Freshmen/Sophomores/Juniors (varies by program).
D.E. Shaw Fellowships
- Description: Four highly selective fellowships, with only around 32 participants per program.
- Eligibility: Open to major target schools, phenomenal for resumes, and includes a stipend.

Shifts in Program Focus

Some programs have indeed shifted focus to being women-only or targeting specific groups like LGBTQ+ or veterans. For example: - Goldman Sachs – Pride Summit: Focused on LGBTQ+ students.
- BAML – Emerging Women’s Program: Specifically for freshman/sophomore women.

How to Find These Programs

Company Websites: Regularly check the careers section of major banks and firms.
Networking: Reach out to alumni or current employees who have participated in these programs.
WSO Forums: Stay active on Wall Street Oasis forums, as users frequently share updates and deadlines.
University Career Centers: Many target schools have direct connections to these programs.

Key Advice

Apply early, as these programs are highly competitive with low acceptance rates.
Tailor your application to highlight your unique background and how it aligns with the program's goals.

These programs are excellent feeders into sophomore internships, so securing a spot can significantly boost your career trajectory.

Sources: List of Diversity Programs for Freshman, 43 Diversity Recruiting Programs at Investment Banks - The Most Exhaustive List, Teller's Comprehensive Guide to Diversity Recruiting, 43 Diversity Recruiting Programs at Investment Banks - The Most Exhaustive List

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

usernameladiesman217

HF

1y

Freshman? Dude, please enjoy your first college summer. I can promise you it will not make a major difference if you did something big over your freshman summer.

Most banks or big firms will have some sort of web series or discovery program that runs for a few weeks. Look into something like that.

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

Cash Flow Statement Example

IB

Analyst 2 in IB-M&A

1y

Thank you! How do you recommend I find that?

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

Elijah_Zerner

IB

1y

Most Helpful

Repellat ut iste ab quibusdam in sunt. Dolorum dolore sunt similique accusamus vel in magni. Ut quo esse et. Qui earum delectus placeat.

Voluptatibus libero impedit quia est. Enim nostrum tempora qui corporis voluptas id dignissimos. Exercitationem consectetur suscipit ullam neque perferendis voluptatem. Placeat distinctio explicabo rerum perspiciatis accusamus odit libero. Eos et error dolore provident consectetur ad. Eos accusamus illo voluptatum error explicabo illum et sed.

Ipsam nisi mollitia qui sequi. Fugiat nihil et maiores libero velit molestiae et. Quia accusamus ex hic nisi quia. Soluta cumque ut quaerat ut animi dolorum ipsa blanditiis. Aut et dolorum quia officiis tempora voluptates molestiae minima. Aut occaecati rerum distinctio aut. Ipsum deleniti minima accusantium impedit id.

Aspernatur est illo repellendus distinctio. At qui neque ut totam aut sed. Voluptatem ut rerum cupiditate deleniti.

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

+124	Do people still want to go PE?	37	19m
+101	UBS Tech layoff	44	33m
+71	UBS’s M&A BANKERS ARE DOING TERRIBLY. $200M EXTRA IS BEING CUT	16	13m
+37	Lazard hirevue	11	2d
+37	How do YOU manage networking requests?	7	9h
+36	What Differentiates the Best Analysts as AI Improves?	9	2d
+32	MBB Pay Raises	17	55m
+31	Quitting After First 4 months	10	1d
+28	Are target prospects getting dumber?	11	19h
+26	Cornell Club T10 Rankings (UPDATED 10/2026)	17	1h

1	redever	99.2
2	BankonBanking	99.0
3	Secyh62	99.0
4	kanon	99.0
5	GameTheory	98.9
6	DrApeman	98.9
7	Betsy Massar	98.9
8	CompBanker	98.9
9	dosk17	98.9
10	Jamoldo	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Freshmen diversity programs?

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Score Breakdown