The First Bank has donated $1 million to 12 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to support their economic and community development endeavors.
The schools receiving funding are Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University at New Orleans, Dillard University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Bishop State Community College, Albany State University, Savannah State University, Clayton State University, Florida A&M University, and Edward Waters University.
“Historically Black colleges and universities date back to the late 1800s and were created to provide Black students an opportunity for higher education,” said Jerome Brown, Chief Community Officer for The First Bank. “Today, they continue to serve higher education and a broad range of economic and community development purposes. The First Bank has many HBCUs in its footprint of operation and understands the role we play to help the schools’ efforts for educational achievement.”
As one of the nation’s largest certified Community Development Financial Institutions, The First Bank has awarded over $70 million in community investments to support economic growth and job creation since 2010. In the last year alone, the bank has donated over $1.6 million to deserving charities including schools, children’s homes, food banks, hospitals, and local housing initiatives.
“Our bank believes in supporting its markets by investing in communities, providing financial education, and generating access to credit,” said Hoppy Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of The First Bank. “Education is key to forming these three fundamental building blocks, which is why we believe so strongly in the mission of these universities and want to support the great work they are doing in their colleges of business and small business development centers to educate our future business leaders.”
With over 1,000 team members and 116 locations throughout a five-state region, The First Bank is a key financial partner and supporter for many communities throughout the Southeast. In 2023, bank team members donated over 3,500 volunteer hours to more than 700 organizations including delivering financial education to over 52,000 community members and students.