BEST Boston - UMass Boston

Where Students and Local Businesses Grow Together

A 10-week, paid consulting experience where College of Management students help Boston-area businesses solve real challenges - at no cost to businesses and with real impact for the regional workforce. Applications for Summer 2026 are now open.

Student Applications Business Application

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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.

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 a stipend once they have completed their assignment.

Apply to Best Boston

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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

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

I choose the College if Management at UMB because it offer the majors I applied for and it offer many interesting opportunities to expand my university experience.

Rouaa C., Current Undergraduate Student

College has helped me learn that no man is an island. We need people around us to help us through life. I appreciate all the resources that UMB has like ACES because it helped learn more about resume building, and how to network.

Michelle T., Current Undergraduate Student

Our Partners