CBL State Savings Charitable Foundation has partnered with Greenville Technical College (GTC) to increase outcomes for African American male students through a $2,500 gift in support of the African American Male Scholars Initiative (AAMSI), which helps participants improve college persistence, retention, graduation rates, and long-term economic success.
African American male college students have experienced low graduation rates nationwide for decades. AAMSI fosters academic and social integration, promotes student engagement, develops leadership potential, increases completion rates, and impacts social and economic mobility. The effort includes comprehensive academic advising, mentoring, connection to resources, and expanded learning opportunities.
Established in 2019, AAMSI has served 167 African American males since its inception. Of those students, 75% are the first in their families to take college classes. Changing outcomes for these students can impact not only their success but that of subsequent generations. The effort is seeing strong success with more students continuing and completing their education.
“We are grateful to CBL State Savings Charitable Foundation for supporting the important work of the African American Male Scholars Initiative,” said Ann Wright, vice president for advancement with the Greenville Tech Foundation. “We plan to grow this effective program so that more scholars can finish strong and enter promising careers, and the partnership of our generous donors will make expansion possible.”
"CBL is dedicated to community and what better way to pour into the community than through education. It is our privilege to partner with GTC on this impactful initiative," said Jennifer Jones, president and CEO of CBL State Savings Bank.