Durham Tech to expand financial literacy education program for students through Wells Fargo grant

The Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded the Durham Technical Community College Foundation $100,000 to continue and expand on-campus financial coaching.

Durham Tech’s efforts launched in the fall of 2018 to help working, under-resourced residents become financially secure. The grant from Wells Fargo, awarded in December, will allow more students to benefit from the program’s offerings. The goal is to annually double the number of beneficiaries.

“Due to Wells Fargo’s generosity, we can scale promising financial education initiatives otherwise set to expire in spring 2019,” said Melissa Chappell, Executive Director of the Durham Tech Foundation. “Too many community college students are derailed by unforeseen expenses; our goal is to ensure that they graduate prepared to obtain a job that pays family-sustaining wages.”

Since the inception of financial literacy offerings, Durham Tech has helped serve more than 500 individuals through information sessions and case management sessions. Participants are coached on ways to reduce debt, build savings, and manage expenses such as taxes and credit.

“Economic development starts at the local level by providing individuals access to resources that will help them learn, grow, and succeed,” said Joanna LeClair, Wells Fargo Community Relations Manager. “The Wells Fargo Financial Literacy Fund at Durham Tech is an investment in our community that will equip students with the knowledge and resources to navigate college and career-related financial decisions. Wells Fargo is honored to support the program expansion and help more students overcome barriers to their success.”

The Durham Tech Foundation is a charitable organization that promotes the current and long-term success of Durham Tech by inspiring charitable investment in its students, faculty, and staff.

For more information about Durham Tech, visit durhamtech.edu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Stephanie Turner: Durham Tech Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator
919-536-7246, ext. 5202; turners@durhamtech.edu