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 145 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.
  • In 2024, a total of 10, $8,000 scholarships were awarded. There were 20 scholarships renewed for a total of 30 rewarded.

Twenty-three scholarships are available to be renewed for the 2025-2026 academic year. This could result in 33 total scholarships supporting associates’ children and grandchildren in their higher education goals.

Emily Ceplina is a 2024 scholarship recipient where she studies psychology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

“I am excited to enter my sophomore year at the University of Minnesota and further my post-secondary education. My family and I are beyond grateful for the generous award that will help pay for my tuition. I am appreciative and thankful to be one of the recipients.”

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 ‡.