Last week, Wells Fargo gave a $1 million grant to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide support for scholarships, leadership development programs and for TMCF’s signature entrepreneurship program, the PITCH.

In addition, Wells Fargo said in a news release that it will again be the presenting partner for the 22nd annual Leadership Institute: Empowered State of Mind in New York City. The 2022 leadership institute will take place in person from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1.

Officials explained the Institute, now in its 22nd year, is part of a larger mission to advance pathways toward economic mobility for HBCU students and intentionally diversify the future work force within corporate America. The conference hosts more than 400 HBCU students annually and provides organizations access to a talented and diverse student population while helping participants make connections to Fortune 500 companies and top-tier organizations.

“We are pleased to continue our relationship with Wells Fargo and appreciate their commitment to taping into the HBCU talent pipeline to advance workforce diversity efforts,” Thurgood Marshall College Fund president and chief executive officer Harry Williams said.

“The Leadership Institute is our signature event that demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our students enhance their 21st century skills to be competitive in the workforce,” Williams continued.

One of the highlights of the Institute is a recruitment fair where major companies and government agencies identify top talent for jobs and internships. Organizers highlighted 600 program representatives are expected to participate in the Institute this year.

Through dedicated programming and a commitment to removing the financial barriers for HBCU students through scholarships, TMCF and Wells Fargo said they are addressing some of the nation’s most difficult issues while creating both long-term impact and sustainable outcomes with underrepresented groups.

“For more than 20 years, we have worked together to provide scholarships, professional development and leadership opportunities to the incredible talent at HBCUs,” said Rob Engel, Wells Fargo’s chairman of banking.

“It has been an opportunity for us to be intentional about our efforts to create an inclusive work force and prepare students from HBCUs for success,” Engel went on to say.