University of Mount Saint Vincent Awarded $275,000 Grant from Santander US to Expand Student Opportunities

The University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) has received a $275,000 grant from Santander US—beginning in 2025 and continuing through 2026—to launch a series of innovative programs within the University’s School of Business that strengthen student learning, community engagement, and career readiness. The funding aims to expand opportunities for students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, and reflects the University’s commitment to provide accessible and affordable college pathways leading to employment.

“This collaboration is a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of UMSV’s commitment to providing students with transformative learning experiences that prepare them for lives of purpose and leadership,” said Dr. Susan R. Burns, President of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. “We are deeply grateful to Santander US for their partnership and shared dedication to expanding opportunity, fostering innovation, and empowering our students to thrive in a global economy.”

Santander US recently announced the allocation of $13 million in grants to more than 30 colleges and universities across the United States. The funding represents the next phase of Santander’s broader $25 million commitment to education, employability, and entrepreneurship, which supports programs designed to expand access to higher education and create pathways to opportunity.

“At Santander, we believe in creating opportunities that help every student succeed,” said Mike Bruno, Region President, Santander Bank, N.A. “Through our partnership with the University of Mount Saint Vincent, we are proud to support initiatives that provide students with the resources, programs, and experiences that make a meaningful difference in their education and future careers.”

UMSV’s grant will fund six integrated program components that align with Santander’s focus on educational advancement, community investment, and economic empowerment—and reflect the School of Business’ holistic approach to preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce.

“The alignment between the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s mission and Santander’s values of business education and entrepreneurship is both opportune and inspiring,” said Lynne Bongiovanni, Provost and Dean of Faculty at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. “This partnership allows us to meaningfully extend our reach—deepening student access to impactful learning opportunities, advancing innovation, and strengthening our ties to the Bronx and broader business community.”

Each of the six integrated program components is designed to connect academic learning to practical experience while expanding students’ professional networks and fostering entrepreneurial thinking:

• Bronx-Based Paid Internship Program: The cornerstone initiative of the grant, will fund 15 paid student internships per semester (30 annually) at small businesses and nonprofit organizations—prioritizing those in the Bronx. These placements will offer students real-world experience in marketing, finance, operations, and community engagement while supporting local enterprise growth. Santander’s investment ensures that financial barriers do not prevent UMSV students from pursuing internships that meaningfully complement their classroom learning.
• Manhattan Business Exposure Field Trips: Each semester during the funding period, students will take guided field trips to major corporations and financial institutions in Manhattan, where they will meet with executives, attend panels, and explore various industries. These immersive experiences will be designed to help students connect classroom learning to real-world business practices and envision new career possibilities.
• Santander Bank Student Pitch Contest: To nurture creativity and innovation, UMSV will host an annual “Santander Bank Student Pitch Contest,” inviting student teams to develop and present original business ideas to a panel of judges—and welcoming representatives from Santander. The winning team will receive mentorship and represent UMSV at the national ACBSP School of Thought Entrepreneurship Contest. The competition aims to showcase student talent and Santander’s ongoing support of entrepreneurship.
• Business Executive Incubator Scholarships: In the second year of the grant period, Santander will provide $25,000 in scholarships to support 25 first-year students accepted into UMSV’s Business Executive Incubator Program, including students transitioning from Seton College—UMSV’s two-year associate degree program—into the School of Business. The Business Executive Incubator Program is designed to accelerate student development through mentorship, project-based learning, and exposure to entrepreneurial ecosystems. These $1,000 scholarships help offset tuition and material costs while underscoring Santander’s commitment to expanding access to business education and cultivating ethical, purpose-driven leaders. UMSV plans to continue these scholarships after the grant period concludes.
• Student Travel for Exchange Programs: In the second year of the grant period, Santander’s support will fund student travel for short-term exchange programs with partner universities in Chicago, Illinois; San Antonio, Texas; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. These programs aim to immerse students in various business environments, foster cross-cultural understanding, and expand their professional horizons. Santander’s funding will ensure travel costs do not prevent UMSV students from participating in these transformative learning experiences.
• Employer Networking Events: Santander’s funding will support employer networking events that connect students with alumnae/i and professionals from a range of industries. Held each Spring and Fall semester and advertised to students as sponsored by Santander, these events will feature career panels, speed networking, and recruitment discussions—giving students valuable connections and insights into various career pathways.

The School of Business, led by Dean Raymond Pullaro, will oversee these initiatives in partnership with community and corporate collaborators.

“Generous grant funding from Santander US will open doors for our students to gain invaluable experience in the field, connect with employers, and develop the skills and confidence to launch their own ventures,” said Raymond Pullaro, Dean of the School of Business at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. “Santander’s investment will not only transform our students’ educational experiences—it will shape the next generation of business leaders who are grounded in purpose, creativity, and community impact.”

Through this partnership, the University has joined a distinguished global community of higher education institutions dedicated to expanding opportunity and advancing innovation.

Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers a nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational, and career opportunities of New York City, UMSV equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment, and leadership in the 21st century.