UMB is committed to advancing educational opportunities in our communities. This includes supporting associates and their families in pursuit of higher education.

Each year, UMB offers scholarships to the children or grandchildren of associates to attend colleges like Harvard University, Northwestern University, Boston College and more. The UMB Count on more® Scholarship Program was first introduced in 2011.

Since its inception, the program, sponsored by the UMB Financial Corporation Charitable Foundation, has awarded more than 138 students with scholarships to continue their education in college, post-secondary vocational or technical school programs.

The merit-based scholarships are renewable for up to three consecutive years or until the student earns a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Below are some highlights of the program through the years:

  • In 2020, UMB Foundation awarded 20, $8,000 scholarships.
  • In 2021, three $8,000 scholarships were awarded, with 17 being renewed from 2020 recipients.
  • In 2022, UMB Foundation awarded 10, $8,000 scholarships. At this time, UMB Foundation changed the program so no matter how many 2021 scholarships were renewed, we would award 10 new scholarships each year, resulting in 25 scholarships being awarded, including 15 renewals.
  • In 2023, UMB Foundation awarded 10, $8,000 scholarships and 19 scholarships were renewed for a total of 29 awarded.

Twenty-one scholarships are available to be renewed for the 2024-2025 academic year. This could result in 31 total scholarships supporting associates’ children and grandchildren in their higher education goals.

Lauryn Beeler is a 2023 scholarship recipient and junior at the University of Iowa, where she majors in business.

“I am beyond excited and appreciative for this honor. This scholarship allows me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and opens the door to many other opportunities, including a master’s degree.”

Another 2023 scholarship recipient, Malina McMurray, is a sophomore at Missouri State University, where she studies exercise and movement science, as well as chemistry.

“I am truly grateful and blessed to have been selected for this incredible opportunity.”

With its focus on associate wellness, growth and support, UMB provides multiple internal development programs and offers associates  tuition reimbursement assistance that allows them the opportunity to continue their higher education while working at the company. Eligible associates may be reimbursed for tuition costs up to $5,250 per calendar year to pursue education in areas that relate to their role within UMB or to the financial services and banking industry.

To learn more about UMB and our connections to the communities we serve, visit our community involvement page and follow us on Facebook‡ and LinkedIn ‡.