Courtesy of Spelman College
JPMorgan Chase recently announced an expanded five-year, $30 million commitment to the financial and career success of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Spelman College will receive a $1 million commitment to support the expansion of the Spelman Pathways initiative, designed to chart clearer track toward economic success and empowerment within the Black community.
“HBCUs have been producing top talent for decades and are uniquely positioned to accelerate economic mobility for students of color,” said Monique Baptiste, head of jobs and skills, global philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase. “Helping these institutions build capacity to support more students as they successfully transition from college to in-demand jobs is critically important to building a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, we can help empower a new generation of leaders and create more opportunities for all.”
Over the past two years, the firm has grown from an initial three HBCU partnerships to 19. Each of the partner schools is located, in or near areas where JPMorgan Chase does business, which will allow the firm to leverage its expertise, partnerships, and philanthropic efforts to best support the long-term sector development and sustainability of HBCUs and their students.
“Economic equity is achieved through breaking down barriers and creating more access to opportunities for advancement for high achieving Black students,” said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman College. “This commitment offers the College the flexibility they need to meet the unique needs of their students and provide the next generation with access to tools and resources to get ahead.”
Support from JPMC will also assist with hiring and recruitment programs and other opportunities that encompasses student and faculty engagement.
“JPMorgan Chase is committed to helping to close the racial wealth gap and driving economic inclusion by supporting the educational and career outcomes of young Black people into promising career pathways,” said W. Trey Coleman, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at JPMorgan Chase. “We’re grateful for the Spelman community being great collaborators, and sharing our passion and commitment to helping position future Black leaders for success.”
Additional programs include:
Spelman College + BRAVEN Leadership Accelerator course supported by JPMC
BRAVEN is a national nonprofit that empowers promising college students from underrepresented backgrounds on their path to economic freedom via strong first jobs or graduate school. To do this, they partner with employers and institutions of higher education.
Through the Spelman College + BRAVEN Leadership Accelerator course, Spelman students will emerge from the program with the skills; confidence, experiences, and networks they need to get and thrive in graduate school or a strong first job.
Spelman Pathways Master Classes supported by JPMC
Spelman Pathways Master Classes are designed to help prepare students for success as they approach and negotiate the world beyond the undergraduate experience. Whether they choose to work or attend a graduate or professional school, scholars enrolled in the program will learn the personal and professional skills associated with high performance in interviews and on-the-job challenges.
Spelman Pathways Professional Development Master Classes
Through guided conversations about life and career choices, such as “women in the workplace” and “achieving life balance,” Spelman scholars will learn skills critical to career success. In addition, scholars will receive guidance on how to secure internships and research experience
Even before the pandemic, rapid changes in technology, automation and artificial intelligence continued to shape the economy and exacerbate the disconnect between skills and jobs, particularly for young people. Colleges and universities are adjusting to better prepare their students for an ever-evolving labor market, including elevating the importance of connecting credentials and work experiences to in-demand jobs of the future. HBCUs play a critical role in creating pathways to economic opportunity.
“Recognizing the transformational impact that a college education can provide, JPMorgan Chase is a generous and thoughtful partner and embraces UNCF’s mission to prepare students for career and entrepreneurial opportunities in the 21st century,” said Edward Smith-Lewis, vice president, strategic partnerships and institutional programs, UNCF. “We are deeply grateful to JPMorgan Chase for their generosity and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”
