Penn National Gaming, a company that operates more than 40 casinos, racetracks, and other hospitality venues, has created a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship Program that will dedicate more than $4 million over five years to at least three HBCUs in states where Penn National operates. The grant will fund STEM scholarships and internship opportunities with the company.
Penn National President and CEO Jay Snowden stated that “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. Penn National is well positioned to be North America’s leading digital, entertainment, sports content, gaming, and technology company, and we look forward to supplementing these scholarships with real-life technical skills development for the STEM internship recipients.”
The initial participating HBCUs include Norfolk State University in Virginia, Wilberforce University in Ohio, and Bowie State University in Maryland.
“The scholarships and internships made possible by this new partnership with Penn National Gaming add to our strategic commitment at Bowie State to prepare students for the evolving workplace,” said Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University. “Supporting the development of our students will pay dividends for the future economic viability of our state and nation.”
