The First Bank Donates $75,000 To Bishop State

The First Bank has donated $75,000 to Bishop State Community College for scholarships and program support as part of a major giving campaign launched by the bank for historically black colleges and universities across the Southeast, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce announced. The donation, accepted through the Bishop State Community College Foundation, will create The First Bank Endowed Scholarship, assist Bishop State’s Scholars Bowl program and provide student services and athletics program support. Bishop State Dean of Students Dr. Carl Cunningham said the donation will provide the Scholars Bowl program the resources it needs to excel. Bishop State hosts high school competitions and has its own team of college students who compete regionally. The new $20,000 endowed scholarship fund “will provide enduring support for our students, ensuring that generations to come can access quality education,” said Clinton Johnson, Jr., chairman of the foundation. As part of the philanthropic campaign, The First Bank awarded $1 million to 12 historically black colleges and universities across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.