For nearly 200 years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have instilled cultural pride, academic excellence and professional drive in every graduating class. In fact, while HBCUs only represent 3% of our nation’s institutions of higher education, they produce 17% of all African American graduates including an incredibly high number of Black doctors, lawyers and engineers. As the president of Howard University, Wayne A.I. Frederick, stated, “The talent I see every day is immense and inspiring. Black students and alumni have a depth of capabilities and diverse passions and ambitions. They leave our campuses eager to work hard and ready to change our industries, our society and our world for the better.”
As we honor the accomplishments of HBCU alumni, it’s equally important that we continue our support for the next generation of graduates. One way we can do this is by highlighting the importance that finances play in education. Whether it’s learning how to manage your student loans or better understand the pros and cons of credit, graduating with a solid financial foundation is a must in today’s world.
For many HBCU students, just affording college can be a financial hurdle to overcome. We understand this and to help, we’ve donated over $110MM to diverse organizations including the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund, and we’ve given more than $34MM to support HBCUs directly since 2011.
The pandemic has affected many families and education funds are often one of the first things to suffer. Seniors who are facing financial challenges and need help in that final push toward their college degree, can find it with our support of $1MM in College Completion Scholarships. Additionally, if students need help establishing or improving their credit, we are offering a Credit Builder Loan, in partnership with the Credit Builders Alliance. This loan may help build good credit habits, rebuild credit, and improve credit scores.
HBCUs have a legacy of hard work while producing influential graduates. To prepare for life after college, our
Beyond College webinar series covers a wide range of topics including: how to prepare for a successful job
interview, money management, entrepreneurship and finding opportunities in a gig economy.
We’re donating $5.6MM over three years to the "Our Money Matters" Initiative. Developed by the HBCU
Community Development Action Coalition, this initiative provides access to financial education through a
combination of online tools and in-person services as well as opportunities for scholarships, employment, career
exploration, and pathways to entrepreneurship for HBCUs and surrounding communities.
To all HBCU alum legends, and the next generation of CEOs, innovators, and leaders, we’re proud to help you build a solid financial foundation on your journey to achieving greatness.
Learn more about how we support HBCU students at www.wellsfargojobs.com/university-programs/ www.wellsfargojobs.com/
