By Special to the AFRO
The College of Business (COB) at Coppin State University, a historic Black university in Baltimore, is launching a new partnership with PNC Bank to provide students and community members with expanded access to financial literacy education and banking services.
Focused on West Baltimore, the PNC Mobile Branch and Financial Literacy Lab will provide access to PNC personnel who can educate community members and students on financial literacy, personal finance and careers in banking. The mobile branch will also offer financial services, including checking and savings accounts; debit and credit card services; lending services and ATM banking.
“Coppin State University, as an anchor institution here in West Baltimore, is pleased to bring this innovative partnership to our community during financial literacy month and beyond,” said Coppin State University President, Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. “This is a rich opportunity to engage and serve the community in a meaningful way, and I would like to thank PNC for helping us forge pathways to financial careers and financial wellness here in Baltimore.”
This financial literacy programming is part of a long-term partnership between Coppin State University’s College of Business and PNC Community Development Banking, made possible by a $300,000 grant focused on education, entrepreneurship and economic development. The relationship with PNC will strengthen Coppin State’s efforts to deliver financial education and entrepreneurship training to residents. The partnership will also assist in addressing the wealth gap in Baltimore.
“The mobile financial learning lab and banking branch enhance our ability to support personal finance education in and out of the classroom,” said Sadie R. Gregory, Interim Dean of the College of Business. “This partnership sends a message that Coppin State University is intentional in the education we provide our students and committed to extending opportunities and resources to our neighbors in West Baltimore.”
The Mobile PNC Branch will operate in Lot F on the Coppin State University campus, near the Talon Center, every other Tuesday. The hours of operation are from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:
- April 26, 2022
- May 10, 2022
- May 24, 2022
- June 7, 2022
- June 21, 2022
“PNC is a national Main Street Bank, which means we understand and work to address the needs of our communities because we are part of them. The Mobile Branch reflects this mindset and helps us to meet customers where they are,” said Laura Gamble, PNC regional president for Greater Maryland, in a statement on the program. “We want to provide easily accessible, secure access to banking solutions for our local community, especially for those who may not have easy access to a traditional branch. We’re proud to work with local organizations because their strong community connections help us understand where the community needs us most.”
The mobile unit can service one resident at a time and precautions will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The bank is doing everything it can to make sure residents have access to the resources, while also being mindful of the pandemic.
“PNC team members will be furnished with a supply of gloves, face masks and cleaning supplies,” according to information released from the company. “Employees will wipe down surfaces after each customer interaction and follow social distancing best practices to protect visitors and themselves. For customers hesitant to enter the unit, bankers have the option to assist them remotely through encrypted tablet technology.”
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