Officials from Wells Fargo presented a $25,000 check to West Chester University’s Frederick Douglass Institute on Thursday morning in the ballroom of the WCU Alumni & Foundation Center.

For the last three years, the bank has partnered with the university and the Coatesville Area School District on a collaborative effort that features a fifth-grade reading program, college preparatory program, and scholarships to attend WCU.

“I’ve been with Wells Fargo for 30 years, and the partnerships that we have been able to form like this one – and their impact in the community – is truly one of my favorite parts of my job,” said Lauren Tobiassen, Wells Fargo Delaware Valley Region Bank President.

“I want to applaud West Chester University for their commitment to not only delivering wonderful education in the state of Pennsylvania, but also for their partnerships in the community and supporting our youth to help them be successful as they move into adulthood.”

Since 2016, more than 1,000 students in the Coatesville Area School District have participated in the program, which has made a significant impact on learning and literacy.

“In education, we’re big on evaluating outcomes these days,” said WCU President Christopher Fiorentino, “and what we’re seeing is this program be successful.”