JPMorgan Chase has announced a five-year, $30 million commitment to help advance the financial and career success of students at 19 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The expansion of the financial service firm’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative will support student development programming, financial education resources, and the development of career pathways. The commitment includes $5 million—$3 million to five HBCUs and $2 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)—to expand career pathways programming and connect students with career mobility opportunities following graduation. In addition, Chase will continue to support the Student Financial Hardship Fund, which helps students attending any of the firm’s HBCU member schools to cover the cost of personal finance emergencies that might otherwise prohibit them from continuing their education. Launched in 2020 in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the fund will now also be allocated toward degree completion expenses.

“Deepening our relationships with HBCUs is an important step to breaking down barriers and creating more access to economic opportunity for Black students,” said global head of Advancing Black Pathways Byna Elliott. “This commitment offers HBCUs 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.”

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