UMass Boston

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BEST Boston

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Business Engagement for Students

Applications Now Open: Businesses & Students Apply Today!

BEST Boston (Business Engagement for Students) gives UMass Boston College of Management students a 10-week paid consulting experience during the summer with local businesses. This program is free for businesses, offering them talent to solve problems and create solutions while supporting education. It’s a win-win for students and businesses, boosting workforce and economic development in the Boston area and across Massachusetts.

Applications are due March 31, 2025 and the program will run from May 27-August 5, 2025

Best Boston Student Feature

For Students

Accepted business students will be placed into teams and given a project based on the needs of their assigned business. Through collaboration with highly talented faculty and the business representative, students will identify problems, develop methodologies, analyze data, and implement a proposed solution. Those accepted will also be paid $2,000 once they have completed their assignment.

Apply Now
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For Businesses

As a business partner, your collaboration is crucial in providing students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Your participation is free and ensures students gain valuable skills while delivering actionable insights to support your business objectives.

Submit Your Project

About the Program

Held every summer, this 10-week program has rapidly become a cornerstone of the College of Management’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. The diverse group of participating businesses benefit from fresh perspectives and actionable solutions tailored to their specific needs, enhancing their competitiveness and growth in a rapidly changing market.

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See What Our Participants Are Saying

Working with QUBIC Labs has opened my eyes to the vast potential of Blockchain technology and how it can revolutionize various industries. I am beyond grateful for this experience that has broadened my horizons and fueled my passion for innovation.
Kalgi P., College of Management Student
The BEST Boston program has been very exciting! I have met with many people over at the Castle Group and those conversations have taught me what it actually takes to run a business in the real world.
Courtney Z., College of Management Student
I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity to learn from and network with so many intelligent professionals in the Boston area! It has helped me get one step closer to reaching my career goals.
Kyle O., College of Management Student
The Castle Group believes in inspiring the next generation to build their careers and pursue their passions, so we were thrilled to participate in this pilot program. Our students conducted crucial research and analysis on our services, and we will use their work to help inform our future goals. This program is a true benefit to the economic vitality of small businesses in Boston.
Sandy Lish, Principal/Co-founder of the Castle Group

Our Partners

AOTCO Metal Finishing, Billerica, MA
Beauty By Venard, Jamaica Plain, MA
Better Business Bureau, Marlborough, MA
Boston Staging Home, Boston, MA
Braintree Electric Light Department, Braintree, MA
Canvas Studio Boston, Hyde Park, Boston, MA
CERO Cooperative, Inc., Dorchester, MA
Greater Ashmont Main Street, Dorchester, MA
MicroPower Direct, South Easton, MA
OnyxGroup Planning, Roxbury, MA


Phoenix Electric Corporation, Canton, MA
QUBIC Labs, Quincy, MA
Reliable Fabrics, Everett, MA
Roessel Joy, Boston, MA
Roundhead Brewing Company, Boston, MA
Shanti Restaurant, Dorchester, MA
Solomon Consulting Group, Somerville, MA
The Castle Group, Charlestown, MA
The Pickup Crew, Lexington, MA
Westnet, Inc., Canton, MA