Clemson celebrates Wells Fargo’s ongoing investment in education programs in South Carolina
July 25, 2018
On Wednesday, July 25, representatives from Wells Fargo visited the Clemson campus to celebrate the company’s longstanding support of the Call Me MISTER and Emerging Scholars programs, which spans more than ten years.
Call Me MISTER (CMM) was founded in 2000 to address the low numbers of African American men teaching in South Carolina public K-8 classrooms. CMM’s co-curricular approach pairs a rigorous educational curriculum with supplemental seminars in such topics as character development, community service, and teacher efficacy. CMM students (“Misters”) gain the knowledge/skills to be effective teachers, servant leaders (when servanthood comes first, leadership will naturally follow), and compelling role models for students of all backgrounds.
Emerging Scholars has seen great success in meeting its goal of creating a college-going culture in the state’s economically disadvantaged areas. Specific highlights include: 100 percent of its scholars graduated from high school; 90 percent of these students attend college or join the military their first year out of high school; and 79 percent of program participants who matriculated to some form of postsecondary school after graduation either attended a research institution or four-year college or university.
During the event, Wells Fargo heard about the impact of their investments in these two unique programs from student beneficiaries and from program directors and staff. Several Misters led the attendees in a group activity at lunch to demonstrate their classroom skills firsthand.
In his remarks, Provost Bob Jones discussed the importance of Wells Fargo’s impact on South Carolina: “Both the Emerging Scholars and Call Me MISTER programs have made a transformational impact on education in South Carolina and have allowed the dream of higher education to become a reality for hundreds of students. This success would not be possible without the generous support we have received from Wells Fargo over the years.”
Thank you, Wells Fargo, for your commitment to supporting South Carolina students through the promise of education!
