JP Morgan Chase Scholarships
History Plays its Part
When JP Morgan Company and Chase Manhattan Corporation merged in 2000, they single handedly created one of the world's most influential and powerful banking and financial institutions in the world. JP Morgan represents the international finance community that includes large corporate clients and institutions. Chase represents the commercial and individual banking sector.
Corporate Philosophy
JP Morgan Chase remains a viable international competitor in part due to its corporate responsibility operations. Corporate giants such as this gain a toehold among investors as well as within their communities, and win the envy of competitors for large scale and generous philanthropic efforts. JP Morgan Chase regularly donates money and resources in areas related to the environment, education, sustainable development for underdeveloped countries, and for general "diversity programs."
Two Scholarship Programs with Very Different Goals
The JP Morgan Chase Smart Start Scholarship Program includes two awards with quite different goals and overall purposes:
- Louisiana Smart Start Program is the more recent addition. The program rewards outstanding African American students who reside in Louisiana and will be attending a college or university within the state. There are a dozen eligible universities on the list. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a major in "business, communications, computer science, engineering, liberal arts, or social science." Selection is made on GPA, recommendations and extracurricular activities and demonstrated personal ability to motivate self and others. Awards include full tuition, stipend for textbooks and the opportunity to intern, with pay, with JP Morgan Chase for a summer term. What is not widely publicized is the fact that these scholarships represent historical slave reparations agreements with the descendents of Louisiana slaves who were originally held as chattel for bank loans by the original Bank One, which was recently bought by JP Morgan Chase.
- The Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Scholarship Program is open to graduating high school seniors in New York City who will attend a participating four-year college or university within one of the five boroughs of the city. Applicants are chosen for both academics and financial situation, with consideration given to letters of recommendation and leadership abilities demonstrated in extracurricular activities. Awards include full tuition, textbook stipend and paid summer internships with JP Morgan Chase.
