PNC Bank and CYC Partner to Empower CPS Seniors through Mentorship and Financial Literacy

A partnership between Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) and PNC Bank is reshaping the future for Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) seniors by equipping them with tools for long-term success through the innovative PNC Scholars program.

Launched in 2022, the program addresses the evolving needs of underrepresented students by focusing on mentorship, career development, financial literacy, and soft skills training. This unique collaboration is rooted in the shared commitment to ensuring post-secondary success is accessible to all youth, particularly those facing systemic barriers.

“The powerful innovation in CYC's model lies in its flexibility — meeting students where they are and helping them overcome real-world challenges,” said Stephen Mosby, Corporate Program Manager. “It truly takes a village to raise our young people. In this program, students are provided a level of access that can open doors they did not know existed for them through the avenue of mentorship.”

Each year, 20 CPS seniors are selected to participate in the seven-month PNC Scholars program. These students are strategically matched with PNC Bank employee volunteers who serve as Subject Matter Experts and Corporate Mentors. Through weekly mentorship meetings and monthly group activities, students build lasting professional relationships and develop critical life and career skills.

Program highlights include:

• Mentorship: Personalized weekly sessions and group engagements tailored to support students’ personal and professional growth.
• Career & Life Skills Development: Monthly events include college visits, financial institution tours, career panels and cultural celebrations.
• Financial Literacy Curriculum: PNC volunteers visit classrooms weekly, teaching essential topics like budgeting, investment strategies and retirement planning.
• Job Shadows & Internships: After the school year, eligible students participate in paid internships aligned with their career interests. Internships span up to eight weeks and include structured reflection days each Friday.

The program also includes strength and weakness assessments, mental health workshops, public speaking exercises, and professional panels, ensuring a holistic approach to student development.

“The growth we see in these students over seven months is incredible,” Mosby shared. “Witnessing students build bonds with professionals who help them navigate life and develop their sense of purpose is a blessing. Seeing a student make sense of their life and become empowered through adult support is valuable beyond measure.”

By bridging the gap between corporate mentors and Cincinnati Public Schools’ students, the PNC Scholars program is helping young people across Cincinnati not only dream of success but also realize it.