Wells Fargo has announced its role as the official banking sponsor for six prominent football classics featuring historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As part of this partnership, Wells Fargo will allocate $300,000 in scholarships to the participating schools, alongside providing virtual and in-person financial workshops. These workshops aim to empower students, alumni, and the broader HBCU community with essential financial knowledge and tools for building wealth.
“HBCUs nurture the success of our future leaders and create pathways to today’s leading industries such as financial services,” said Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement for Diverse Segments, Representation, and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo has a long history of supporting HBCUs, and this is another example of this work as we celebrate the HBCU legacy and excellence in sports while providing a platform for learning and growth. Investing in the HBCU community now and in the future is critically important to Wells Fargo.” The following games will feature Wells Fargo as the official banking sponsor:
- Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic: Hampton University vs. Grambling State University – September 2, 2023
- Orange Blossom Classic: Jackson State University vs. Florida A&M University – September 3, 2023
- HBCU New York Classic: Morehouse College vs. Albany State University – September 16, 2023
- Florida A&M University Homecoming: FAMU vs. Prairie View A&M University – October 28, 2023
- Florida Blue Florida Classic: Florida A&M University vs. Bethune-Cookman University – November 18, 2023
- Bayou Classic: Southern University vs. Grambling State University – November 25, 2023
“Through the Orange Blossom Classic, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that Wells Fargo brings to HBCU communities,” said Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic Committee. “Their commitment to not only football, but also to education and financial empowerment, serves as a testament to their dedication to our students’ success, resonating louder than cheers in the stadium. As the executive director of the Orange Blossom Classic Committee, I’m thrilled to see Wells Fargo’s expanded support across multiple major HBCU football classics, spreading opportunities for growth and learning. Their involvement in our event and others is a game‑changer for our institutions and our future leaders.” Wells Fargo’s ongoing support for HBCUs includes:
- Providing over $39 million since 2011 directly to HBCUs and supporting organizations such as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
- Awarding $200,000 in scholarships during four HBCU classics last year, including the Orange Blossom Classic, FAMU Homecoming, the Bayou Classic, and the inaugural HBCU New York Classic. Additionally, Wells Fargo was named the official banking partner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and a corporate sponsor of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), further enabling support for student-athletes across conference member schools.
- Offering the HBCU Legends Collection, allowing customers to personalize their debit cards with images from their favorite HBCUs or national organizations like UNCF, TMCF, and the CIAA. Presently, the collection features 27 schools along with three national organizations. Customers can customize their cards for free through the Wells Fargo Design Studio®.
