Wells Fargo and Fresno State have joined a public-private partnership to encourage academic achievement, retention and professional development for Latino students. through mentoring, internships and workshops specifically for Latina/o students and their families.
In support of this partnership, Wells Fargo pledged $150,000 for programs that help Hispanic students find success in higher education.
“Educational success continues to be the best predictor of economic and social success in young people,” said Sandy Raco, Wells Fargo Central Valley president. “This grant will support resources that will allow Fresno State to create and carry out programs that will result in more Hispanic college graduates. In turn, these students will be better prepared to add to the economic success of Fresno, the Central Valley and California.”
According to the 2010 Census, 53.6 percent of the central San Joaquin Valley’s population is Hispanic but only 5.3 percent have attained a bachelor’s degree.
“Traditionally, the graduation rates of Hispanic students fall far behind those of other racial or ethnic student groups,” said Adrian Ramirez, director of the Commitment to Latina/o Academic Success and Excellence program at Fresno State. “This partnership with Wells Fargo will make a significant and sustainable contribution toward Latino student success.”
Fresno State was designated by the federal government as a Hispanic Serving Institution. During the fall of 2011, Hispanic individuals represented the largest number of enrolled students – 36.7 percent of a total student body of 21,000.
This gift also supports the university’s Campaign for Fresno State, an initiative to raise $200 million for scholarships, faculty, programs and facilities. Through February, the campaign had raised more than $181.8 million. It is the university’s first comprehensive campaign and among the largest in the California State University system.
For more information, contact Kathleen Schock, the campaign communications director, at 559.278.2756 or kschock@csufresno.edu
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Photos by Cary Edmondson, University Communications photographer.
