Penn Entertainment has expanded its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship program in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The three new partnering universities included in this expansion are: Jackson State University in Mississippi, Prairie View A&M University in Texas and Southern University, and A&M College in Louisiana. Penn’s scholarship program now encompasses six HBCUs in total.
Through this initiative, the operator has committed to dedicating more than $4m over five years to fund STEM scholarships with HBCUs in the states where it operates. It will also endeavor to create internship opportunities at its retail establishments for people of color.
Penn Entertainment SVP of Regional Operations Justin Carter commented: “As a company at the forefront of technology, we launched this program as a way to increase access to STEM opportunities for HBCU students and create real-world, hands-on learning experiences.
“The addition of these three esteemed universities deepens our widespread support for HBCUs and expands our efforts to champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the communities where we operate.
“STEM careers make up a growing share of jobs in today’s economy, and we are committed to narrowing the representation gap in STEM fields and empowering students in this program for years to come.”
Penn has established partnerships with 35 HBCUs across the country in total and has stated its commitment to funding scholarships and opportunities for people of color. The ongoing collaboration with HBCUs boosts their student’s career prospects at Penn properties nationwide.
It also increases participation in the operator’s Leadership in Excellence Program, which offers hands-on training, mentoring and real-world experience to new or recent college graduates, who wish to forge long-term careers in the gaming industry.
