BALTIMORE, MD 02/14/2025

Gwynn Oak resident Oluwatobi Kolade selected for prestigious $10,000 award, highlighting PNC’s growing impact in Baltimore area

In a significant boost to educational opportunities in Baltimore and across the nation, PNC Bank has announced a major enhancement to its scholarship program, increasing award amounts from $2,000 to $10,000 each for 12 deserving students. The expanded program, now totaling $120,000 annually, has already made a difference for one Baltimore County resident.

Oluwatobi Kolade, an Information Technology major at Towson University and resident of Gwynn Oak, is among the first recipients of the enhanced scholarship. As the child of Nigerian immigrants, Kolade views the scholarship as both a financial lifeline and a tribute to his family’s sacrifices.

“Winning this scholarship is important because it will ease the financial burden of higher education, allowing me to focus on my goals,” Kolade shared. “As the child of Nigerian immigrants who sacrificed to give me opportunities, this award honors their dedication and helps me succeed while inspiring me to give back in the future.”

 Strengthening Baltimore’s Educational Landscape

This scholarship expansion reinforces PNC’s ongoing commitment to the Baltimore community, where the bank has maintained a strong presence. By supporting local students like Kolade, PNC is helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals in the region’s growing technology sector.

The timing of this initiative is particularly crucial, as national data shows only 7% of college students receive scholarship support, according to educationdata.org. For Baltimore-area students facing economic challenges, these scholarships can make the difference between pursuing higher education or being forced to delay or abandon their academic goals.

 Banking on Baltimore’s Future

Harjas Sidhu, PNC Bank’s head of Personal Lending, Student Lending and FlexPay, emphasized how the program aligns with the bank’s vision for supporting local communities: “We’ve seen first-hand how accessing higher education can be life-changing for students. Expanding our scholarship program further underscores our commitment to helping our region’s future leaders access the necessary resources they need to reach their higher education goals.”

The selection of Kolade, who attends Towson University, also highlights the bank’s support for students who choose to pursue their education close to home, strengthening the ties between local educational institutions and the surrounding community.

 How Baltimore Students Can Apply

The enhanced scholarship program features two application periods: June 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024, and December 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. Baltimore-area students who apply during the first cycle but aren’t selected will automatically remain in consideration for the second period.

Students from Baltimore and surrounding areas can check their eligibility, review complete scholarship details, and submit applications through PNC’s official scholarship portal. The program’s structure aligns with the academic year, making it easier for local students to incorporate this opportunity into their educational planning.

As PNC continues to invest in Baltimore’s future through this expanded scholarship program, students like Kolade represent the potential for transformative impact when financial barriers to education are removed, enabling more talented local students to pursue their ambitions and contribute to the region’s growth and prosperity.