Wells Fargo commits $150,000 to support Latino student achievement

(April 3, 2012) -- Wells Fargo and Fresno State have joined a public-private partnership to encourage academic achievement, retention and professional development for Latino students.

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.'

In the central San Joaquin Valley, 53.6% of the population is Hispanic but only 5.3% 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 (CLASE) 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 governmen.