Over five years, the company will earmark more than $4m in funding for scholarship and internship opportunities, with a focus on driving diversity in STEM fields. Three HBCUs are set to inaugurate this program: Norfolk State University in Virginia, Bowie State University in Maryland and Wilberforce University in Ohio.
This latest commitment builds on Penn National’s existing relationships with 33 HBCUs, as well as its Penn Diversity Committee. Established last year, the Committee aims to further diversity and inclusion within its organisation and society at large.
Its guidance prompted Penn National to launch a $1m annual ‘Diversity Scholarship Program’ for children of its employees. In 2021, the operator reported that 58 scholarships were awarded, with 57% of recipients being first-generation students.
“The hard work of our Diversity Committee continues to help identify opportunities for new initiatives, including today’s announced commitment towards STEM scholarships and internships for students at HBCUs,” said Penn National’s President and CEO, Jay Snowden.
“Increasing access to STEM opportunities for HBCU students is another important step to promote social and economic equity, as well as diversity, inclusion and belonging.”
Ongoing collaboration between the operator and HBCUs also drives students from affiliate schools towards career opportunities with the company via its Leadership Excellence at Penn National (LEAP) program. This looks to provide hands-on training, mentoring and real-world experience to new or recent college graduates who want to work in the gaming industry.
Justin Carter, Senior VP of Regional Operations for Penn National and Chairman of the company’s Diversity Committee, added: “We are incredibly proud of our partnerships with HBCUs across the country.
“The STEM scholarship program is another important step in narrowing the representation gap in STEM fields among certain underrepresented communities.”
