PENN Entertainment returns to STEM scholarship program with new expansion

PENN Entertainment has confirmed the expansion of its $4m STEM scholarship program to include three new participating universities.

The universities added to the program comprise Jackson State University in Mississippi, Prairie View A&M University in Texas, and Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana.

Initial participating universities were Norfolk State University in Virginia, Bowie State University in Maryland, and Wilberforce University in Ohio.

The program focuses on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with PENN pledging $4m to the project over the next five years.

PENN’s commitment to funding STEM scholarships and internship opportunities is an extension of established partnerships with 35 HBCUs across the country.

This includes career opportunities at PENN properties and increasing participation in its Leadership Excellence at PENN (LEAP) program.

The LEAP program aims to provide hands-on training, mentoring, and real-world experience to new or recent college graduates who are interested in building a long-term career in the gaming industry.

PENN Entertainment SVP of regional operations and chairman of its Diversity Committee, Justin Carter, welcomed the expansion of the program to include the new HBCUs.

“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,” Carter explained.

“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,” the PENN Entertainment SVP added.