Texas Southern University and Truist announced the beginning of a new partnership during a signing ceremony and check presentation. The Truist Charitable Fund approved a gift of $750,000 for the Future Bankers Leadership Program (FBLP).

“Texas Southern University is excited to embark upon this transformative partnership with Truist,” said President Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. “The Future Bankers Leadership Program has been transforming the lives of our scholars since its inception. This gift furthers our commitment to educating the next generation of banking industry professionals and making sure the banking industry is transformed from having diverse talent on which they can count. We look forward to the work that will be done and the success that will be achieved as a result of the support this gift from Truist will provide.”

The Future Bankers Leadership Program began in 2021 to give business students direct exposure to commercial banking and to introduce them to the industry through a formal curriculum, interaction with executives and mentors, and commercial banking internships.

“Truist is proud to support the Future Bankers Leadership Program at Texas Southern University,” said William Toomey II, Houston and Central Texas Regional President at Truist. “This innovative program prepares the next generation of talent to create successful careers in banking, while ensuring their diverse lived experiences bring meaningful impact to our industry. Together, Truist and TSU’s FBLP can inspire and build better lives and communities through education and skill building.”

For the third consecutive semester, the FBLP cohort has achieved a 100-percent pass rate on a key industry professional certification exam: The Risk Management Association Credit Essentials Certificate.

“We have an outstanding Future Bankers Leadership Program at Texas Southern University that is producing diverse talent that is prepared to lead from the moment they graduate,” said Jesse H. Jones School of Business Dean Dr. David Yen. “With the support of partners like Truist, we look forward to the continued development of this program that we believe will be a model for institutions around the country.”

The Truist Charitable Fund’s gift will support the FBLP’s sustained growth.