PENN Entertainment Champions STEM Education Through Major Contribution to HSSU

Leading the Charge for Equity in STEM

The donation by PENN Entertainment, part of its broader commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, will go toward constructing a state-of-the-art STEM facility on the campus of HSSU and scholarships for aspiring STEM professionals. This program builds upon PENN’s current $4 million STEM-HBCU Scholarship program launched in 2021 to help bridge the representation gap in the fields.

“We are thrilled to expand our STEM-HBCU Scholarship program in partnership with Harris-Stowe and further support the St. Louis community,” said Justin Carter, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations and Chair of PENN’s Diversity Council. “We established this STEM program to provide students at HBCUs with increased access to STEM opportunities and create hands-on learning experiences. We are honored to help support the launch of the University’s STEM Capital Campaign and look forward to working with Harris-Stowe to empower students and narrow the representation gap in STEM fields.”

Investing Strategically to Support Local Communities

For PENN Entertainment, the partnership with HSSU is deeper than the money; it is about a shared vision for community enrichment and local economic growth.

Emphasizing the partnership as a critical one, Michael Jerlecki, general manager of Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino, said, “We are proud to support the excellent work Harris-Stowe and Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith are doing to provide students with more opportunities to pursue education in STEM fields. Giving back to our community is core to our business, and we are pleased to play a role in shaping the next generation of STEM leaders right here in St. Louis.”

The initiative aligns strongly with regional economic priorities, including the Greater St. Louis Inc. 2030 Jobs Plan, to increase minority representation in quality jobs.

A Legacy of Commitment to HBCUs

The commitment of PENN Entertainment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities is reflected in its continued support for scholarships and programs that bridge systemic gaps in education and workforce development.

To date, PENN has partnered with six highly regarded institutions through its STEM-HBCU Scholarship program, with Harris-Stowe being the most recent.