The Banking Leaders of Tomorrow program at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management is more than a scholarship, it’s a community-driven initiative shaping the future of financial services in Kansas City and beyond. With generous support from seven local banks — Academy Bank, Arvest Bank, Bank of America, Commerce Bank, Lead Bank, nbkc bank and UMB Bank — the program provides $10,000 scholarships over four years to first-time college students pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on banking and finance.

Many of these students are first-generation college-goers with significant financial need. Through this program, they gain not only financial support but also mentorship, professional development and real-world exposure to the banking industry. Partner banks play an active role, offering guest lectures, panel discussions and hands-on experiences that help students build confidence and career clarity.

“This program is a powerful example of what happens when industry leaders invest in education,” said Jocelyn Evans, Ph.D., director of the Banking Leaders of Tomorrow program. “These banks are helping our students envision futures in banking while also strengthening their own pipelines of diverse, community-minded talent.”

The program also addresses a critical need: bridging the gap between traditional financial institutions and underbanked communities. Students, including those who may have less experience with the banking and financial system, are encouraged to explore how their unique perspectives can foster trust and expand access to banking services.

For Riana Maus, senior vice president and director of talent acquisition at UMB Bank, a first-generation college graduate herself, the program’s impact is personal. “It creates a safe space for students to ask questions and imagine their futures,” she said.

Thanks to the vision and generosity of Kansas City’s banking community, the Bloch School is developing a new generation of leaders who see banking as a tool for empowering people, not just managing capital.