A $25,000 gift from Wells Fargo is earmarked for smoothing the path to graduation for CSU Stanislaus students who are military veterans or former foster care youth.
Completing a college education can be a hurdle for any student, but veterans and foster youth may experience additional challenges. They often lack financial resources and support systems that understand how their experiences might affect their transition into the mainstream. The University has longstanding programs in place to bridge the gap for these two populations, and the gift from Wells Fargo is a welcome boost for those programs.
“Wells Fargo sets the example for a caring community-University partnership. I commend and appreciate their interest in assisting foster youth and veterans, and their support year after year. Many of these students do not have the means to finish their degree before financial aid resources dry up, and this additional funding will make sure they achieve their academic goals,” said Michael Igoe, Title V interim director.
Igoe volunteers with the campus chapter of Troops to College, a CSU systemwide program that assists veterans, active-duty service members and dependents of disabled veterans. Igoe, himself a U.S. Air Force veteran, used his Montgomery GI bill benefits and expects to graduate in May with a master’s degree in counselor education.
The Promise Scholars Program also will benefit from Wells Fargo’s support. Since its launch in 2006, the program has provided foster youth with priority housing, tutoring, counseling, academic and career advising, scholarships and financial aid.
“For the past three years, Wells Fargo has been a generous sponsor of the Promise Scholars Program,” said program coordinator Wanda Bonnell. “Our mission is to create a system of support for college students who have transitioned out of foster care or are homeless and without parental support. We are committed to empowering students so they can focus on academic success, graduate in a timely manner, and become self-supporting community leaders and competent professionals in their fields of interest.”
Oscar Cabello, Wells Fargo Modesto district manager, noted the real gift was not the grant but rather the opportunity to see foster youth and veterans learn, grow and succeed.
“We invest in the mission of CSU Stanislaus as partners in opening doors for resilient, bright young minds to fulfill their potential, graduate from college and become engaged community members. Supporting them is at the core of who Wells Fargo is, and aligns perfectly with our vision and values,” Cabello said.