Charlotte, November 4, 2021 – Chase celebrated the grand opening of its thirteenth branch in Charlotte with a $750,000 gift to Johnson C. Smith University to help expand career pathways programs.
The Career Pathways Grant will enable the University to help students interested in financial services careers through work-based learning and post graduate job placement. With grants such as this, Chase seeks to address systemic racial wealth disparities by growing the diverse talent pool for the financial services sector and investing in Black-serving colleges and universities to further student success.
“As a veteran of both the financial services and higher education sectors, I know as well as anyone the value of a career-focused education and what that can mean for our students,” said Clarence D. Armbrister, President of Johnson C. Smith University. “JPMorgan Chase’s focus on helping our university and our students create pathways to financial services careers will help them land roles in a high growth, high wage industry. I am optimistic and excited about the opportunities this grant will bring to them and to our university as a whole.”
The gift is just the beginning of Chase’s partnership with the University and the community. The bank also announced they will host financial health workshops and community events at the new branch not far from JCSU.
“Our new Beatties Ford Road branch and grant to Johnson C. Smith University show our commitment to Charlotte in action,” said Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Consumer Banking at Chase. “Branches can help local residents build a stronger financial foundation, support small businesses as they grow, and help communities become more resilient. We’re committed to supporting the Beatties Ford community and are proud to officially open our doors here.”
Chase staff visited JCSU for a roundtable discussion with students and administrators. Chase committed to finding pathways for students to have internships within the financial services and banking industries.
Armbrister also visited the grand opening of the branch at 2023 Beatties Ford Road and participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the bank to the historic Beatties Ford community.
