The Belk Foundation has given $500,000 to enhance Johnson C. Smith University’s retail management program.

JCSU will use the money to endow annual scholarships for at least four business students who show an interest in retail management or marketing, the school said Monday in announcing the grant.

The students will be named and awarded $2,500 scholarships this spring.

JCSU President Ronald Carter said the money also will help improve the school’s retail management concentration.

“Already, faculty in the business administration area is thinking through curricular changes that will be very innovative in helping us to develop a first-class program,” he said.

Scholarship recipients will be matched with Belk mentors and included in professional development opportunities sponsored by the company.

Adam Orvos, executive vice president of human resources at Belk and a member of JCSU’s Business Advisory Board, called the partnership “a wonderful opportunity for our employees to engage with students to provide real-world guidance and experience.”

Over the last 10 years, the Belk Foundation has awarded more than $33 million to non-profit organizations in 16 states stretching from Texas to Maryland.

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