Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

 

Bain diversity programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds explore consulting and get a foot in the door at Bain & Company. The firm runs more than ten diversity programs across regions, targeting sophomores, MBA students, women, first-generation students, advanced degree candidates, and LGBTQ+ talent.

By the end of this article, you will know every Bain diversity program, who can apply, and how to maximize your chances of selection.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms accept less than 1% of applicants every year. If you want to triple your chances of landing interviews and 8x your chances of passing them, watch my free 40-minute training.

 

What Are Bain Diversity Programs?

 

Bain diversity programs are short, structured experiences that introduce candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to consulting and to Bain's people. Most last between one and seven days and combine training, case work, networking, and mentorship. Some lead directly to an interview slot for a paid internship or full-time role.

 

The programs sit alongside Bain's regular recruiting pipeline. They are designed to surface talent that traditional campus recruiting can miss. Bain has run flagship programs like BEL since 2008, and the slate has expanded significantly since the firm launched its DEI Council in 2020.

 

These are not separate hiring tracks with lower standards. Participants compete against the same case interview rigor as every other Bain candidate. The programs simply give you an earlier and more personal way in.

 

Why Does Bain Invest in Diversity Programs?

 

Bain invests in diversity programs because diverse teams produce better client work and because the firm needs a broader pipeline of talent. Bain has stated publicly that its goal is an equitable talent journey and an inclusive culture across all dimensions of identity.

 

There are three main reasons Bain runs so many diversity programs:

 

1. Better client outcomes. Diverse case teams bring more angles to a problem and produce more creative recommendations.
   
   
2. Stronger pipeline. Many high-performing candidates never apply to consulting because they do not know anyone in the industry. These programs surface that hidden talent.
   
   
3. Better retention. Candidates who enter through a diversity program report higher early engagement, which translates into better retention through the analyst and consultant years.

 

Other major firms run similar consulting diversity programs, but Bain's portfolio is one of the broadest in the industry.

 

What Bain Diversity Programs Are Available?

 

Bain offers more than ten diversity programs globally. The most well-known U.S. programs are BEL, BASE, CREW, ADvantage, First Forward, and Consulting Kickstart. Bain also runs region-specific programs and scholarships in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and Australia.

 

Here is a comparison of Bain's primary diversity programs.

 

Program	Who It's For	Length	Locations	Leads to Interview?
BEL	Sophomores from Black, Hispanic/Latinx, or Indigenous backgrounds	1 week	U.S. and Toronto	Yes, internship interview
BASE	Incoming MBAs from Black, Hispanic/Latin American, or Indigenous backgrounds	1 week	U.S.	Yes, internship interview
CREW	Sophomore women	1.5 days	U.S. and Canada	No, exploratory
ADvantage	Advanced degree candidates (PhD, JD, MD, post-doc)	1 week	U.S. and Toronto	Yes, full-time interview
First Forward	Sophomore first-generation or lower-income students	1.5 days	6 U.S. offices	No, exploratory
Consulting Kickstart	Freshmen and sophomores from underrepresented backgrounds	Virtual series	U.S.	No, exploratory

 

What Is the Bain BEL Program?

 

The Bain BEL program is a one-week paid program for sophomore undergraduate students who identify as Black, Hispanic/Latinx, or Indigenous. BEL stands for Building Entrepreneurial Leaders. It is Bain's longest-running diversity program and has been operating since 2008.

 

Participants attend the program in August before junior year, hosted at a Bain office in the U.S. or Toronto. The week includes consulting training, case workshops, social events with Bainies, and an opportunity to interview for a junior summer internship.

 

The program is extremely competitive, with acceptance rates that typically run below 5% of applicants. Strong leadership experience, top academic results, and a clear interest in consulting are the baseline.

 

What Is the Bain BASE Program?

 

The Bain BASE program is a one-week experience for incoming MBA students from Black, Hispanic/Latin American, or Indigenous backgrounds. BASE stands for Building and Supporting Excellence. The program typically runs in late spring or early summer before the start of business school.

 

Participants get a full day of consulting training before being staffed on a real client case team for several days. The program ends with networking events, social activities, and Q&A with Bain partners and managers.

 

High performers in BASE often receive an early offer for the summer associate internship after their first year of MBA. That makes BASE one of the strongest programs for incoming MBAs from underrepresented backgrounds.

 

What Is the Bain CREW Program?

 

The Bain CREW program is an in-person 1.5-day workshop for women in their sophomore year of undergraduate studies. CREW stands for Connecting and Resourcing Empowered Women. The program runs in the U.S. and Canada.

 

Participants hear from senior women at Bain, work through case discussions, and build a foundational consulting toolkit. The experience also introduces participants to the Women at Bain affinity group network.

 

CREW does not lead directly to a paid internship offer, but it positions participants strongly for junior summer recruiting at Bain. Many CREW alumni go on to land Bain Associate Consultant Internships the following year.

 

What Is the Bain ADvantage Program?

 

The Bain ADvantage program is a one-week internship for advanced degree candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. ADvantage targets PhDs, post-doctoral fellows, JDs, MDs, and medical residents. The program runs in U.S. offices and Toronto.

 

Participants complete consulting training and then get staffed on an actual case team working on a live client problem. The week ends with feedback sessions and conversations about full-time pathways at Bain.

 

High-performing ADvantage participants frequently receive a full-time offer at Bain. This makes the program one of the most direct paths into consulting for non-MBA advanced degree holders.

 

What Is the Bain First Forward Program?

 

The Bain First Forward program is a 1.5-day in-person summit for sophomore undergraduate students who are first-generation college students or come from lower-income backgrounds. The 2026 program ran on May 28 and 29 with an April 27, 2026 application deadline.

 

First Forward is hosted by six U.S. Bain offices: Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC. Participants take part in case discussions, professional development workshops, and small-group networking with Bain mentors who share similar backgrounds.

 

The program also connects participants to Bain's First-Generation Low-Income affinity group, known as BFLI. Like CREW, First Forward does not guarantee an internship interview, but it is one of the strongest entry points for first-gen students.

 

What Is the Bain Consulting Kickstart Program?

 

The Bain Consulting Kickstart program is a virtual series for freshman and sophomore undergraduate students. It is the lowest-commitment entry point in Bain's diversity portfolio and is U.S. only.

 

Kickstart sessions cover what management consulting is, how to think about case problems, and how to position yourself for consulting recruiting. The format is interactive with live Bain consultants.

 

Consulting Kickstart is open to a broader audience than BEL or CREW. It is a smart first step for younger students who want to learn whether consulting is right for them before applying to more selective programs.

 

What Other Bain Diversity Programs Should You Know?

 

Bain also runs several smaller and region-specific diversity programs.

 

The True North Scholarship for Black Heritage and True North Scholarship for Women are aimed at MBA candidates targeting the London office. The True North Scholarship for University Students serves students in Germany and Austria.

 

The Mustaqbalak program ("Your Future") is a Middle East MBA path-to-consulting initiative. The Bain Be Bold Scholarship supports women and gender diverse business school students applying to the Australia office. Lead to Inspire Weekend, Lead to Inspire Masterclass, Power of 4, Belong@Bain, and Spark round out the global portfolio.

 

What Affinity Groups Does Bain Have?

 

Bain has seven major affinity groups that diversity program participants gain access to. Affinity groups are employee networks built around shared identity or experience. They drive mentorship, programming, and community throughout the year.

 

Bain's affinity groups include:

 

• Blacks at Bain (BABs)

 

• Latinx at Bain (LATBA)

 

• Asians at Bain (AAB)

 

• Women at Bain (WAB)

 

• Diverse Abilities at Bain (DAAB)

 

• BGLAD (Bain's LGBTQ+ network)

 

• Bain First-Gen, Low-Income (BFLI)

 

Most diversity programs include dedicated sessions with the relevant affinity group. Participants typically stay connected to these networks even after the program ends, which is one of the most valuable long-term benefits.

 

How Do You Apply to Bain Diversity Programs?

 

You apply to Bain diversity programs directly through Bain's careers website at bain.com/careers. Most programs require a resume, a short application form, and sometimes a video or written response.

 

The application steps are:

 

1. Identify which program you are eligible for based on year in school, identity, and region.
   
   
2. Prepare a strong resume that highlights leadership, analytical achievements, and entrepreneurial experiences.
   
   
3. Submit your application by the published deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.
   
   
4. Complete any assessments, such as the Bain Sova test or Bain TestGorilla test.
   
   
5. Sit for one or two case interviews if the program leads to an internship offer.

 

Each Bain application deadline is firm and varies by program, so check the current cycle and apply early when possible.

 

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

 

Eligibility varies by program but every Bain diversity program has three baseline requirements: enrollment at an accredited college or graduate program, strong academic performance (typically a 3.5+ GPA), and demonstrated leadership.

 

Identity-specific eligibility:

 

• BEL and BASE: Black, Hispanic/Latinx, or Indigenous candidates

 

• CREW and Be Bold Scholarship: women and gender diverse candidates

 

• First Forward and BFLI programs: first-generation college students or candidates from lower-income backgrounds

 

• ADvantage: advanced degree candidates from underrepresented backgrounds

 

• True North scholarships: vary by region, including Black heritage, women, and broader student populations

 

Year-in-school eligibility:

 

• BEL, CREW, First Forward, Consulting Kickstart: sophomores or rising juniors

 

• BASE: incoming first-year MBA students

 

• ADvantage: advanced degree candidates (PhD, JD, MD, post-doc, medical resident)

 

How Selective Are Bain Diversity Programs?

 

Bain diversity programs are among the most selective programs in consulting recruiting. Acceptance rates for flagship programs like BEL and BASE typically run below 5%. Bain receives thousands of applications for a few dozen spots in each cohort.

 

For comparison, Bain's regular hiring acceptance rate sits around 2% to 3% across all applicants. Diversity programs are slightly more accessible than full-time hiring because the candidate pool is smaller, but the bar for selection is just as high.

 

The most selective programs are BEL, BASE, and ADvantage. The least selective are open-format programs like Consulting Kickstart, which has higher acceptance rates because the format is virtual and scalable.

 

What Happens After You Complete a Bain Diversity Program?

 

Most diversity program participants get one of three outcomes: a direct offer for a paid internship, a guaranteed interview slot for the next recruiting cycle, or a strong network of Bain contacts that helps in future applications.

 

BEL, BASE, and ADvantage typically lead to an interview for a paid internship. BEL participants can interview for the junior summer Associate Consultant Internship. BASE participants can interview for the MBA summer associate role. ADvantage participants can interview for a full-time consultant offer.

 

CREW, First Forward, and Consulting Kickstart usually do not lead to a direct interview. They are exploratory programs designed to build interest and skill. Strong participants often return through the regular recruiting funnel and use their program connections as a leg up.

 

How Do You Get into a Bain Diversity Program?

 

Getting into a Bain diversity program is competitive. Use these tips to maximize your chances.

 

Tip #1: Apply early.

 

Bain reviews applications on a rolling basis for some programs. Submitting in the first half of the application window gives you a real advantage.

 

Tip #2: Lead with leadership.

 

Bain wants entrepreneurial, high-impact candidates. Highlight times you started a club, organized a campaign, or drove a measurable result.

 

Tip #3: Quantify everything on your resume.

 

Numbers stand out. "Increased club membership by 80%" beats "grew membership." Specifics make your achievements easier for recruiters to evaluate.

 

Tip #4: Network before you apply.

 

Reach out to Bainies on LinkedIn, attend virtual info sessions, and ask thoughtful questions. Show up to recruiting events with names you can reference in your application.

 

Tip #5: Practice your fit story.

 

Be ready to explain why you want consulting, why Bain specifically, and what experiences shape your perspective. Specifics beat generic language every time.

 

Tip #6: Prepare for case interviews.

 

If you are applying to BEL, BASE, or ADvantage, you may have a case interview as part of selection or immediately after. If you want to learn case interviews quickly, my case interview course walks you through proven strategies in as little as 7 days.

 

Tip #7: Be authentic about your background.

 

Bain wants to hear your real story, not a polished marketing version. Specifics about lived experience make a stronger impression than buzzwords.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are Bain diversity programs paid?

 

Some Bain diversity programs are paid and some are not. BEL, BASE, and ADvantage are paid because participants work on a real client case team for several days. CREW, First Forward, and Consulting Kickstart are unpaid because they are shorter exploratory experiences.

 

Do Bain diversity programs lead to a job offer?

 

Some do directly and others do not. BEL, BASE, and ADvantage frequently lead to a paid internship offer or an interview slot. CREW, First Forward, and Consulting Kickstart do not guarantee an offer but position you well for future recruiting cycles.

 

What GPA do you need for Bain diversity programs?

 

Most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. There is no published minimum, but the realistic floor is around 3.5 because the applicant pool is so strong. A higher GPA increases your odds but is not the only factor in selection.

 

Can international students apply to Bain diversity programs?

 

International students can apply to most Bain diversity programs as long as they are enrolled at an eligible U.S. or Canadian institution. Some programs, such as the True North Scholarships and Mustaqbalak, are designed specifically for international markets. Always check eligibility before applying.

 

When are Bain diversity program application deadlines?

 

Most U.S. Bain diversity programs accept applications between January and April for summer participation. BEL and First Forward typically close applications by late April. BASE has rolling deadlines for incoming MBAs.

 

How do Bain diversity programs compare to McKinsey and BCG?

 

Bain has one of the broadest diversity program portfolios in consulting. McKinsey offers programs like Inspire, Ignite, and Insight. BCG runs Growing Future Leaders, Bridge to BCG, Advance, and Unlock. Each firm targets slightly different demographics and timelines.

 

Do you need an MBA to apply for Bain diversity programs?

 

No, most Bain diversity programs are open to undergraduates, advanced degree holders, and MBA students separately. Programs like BEL, CREW, First Forward, and Consulting Kickstart are undergraduate only. BASE is MBA only. ADvantage targets non-MBA advanced degree candidates.

 

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