Citibank’s Lisa Deloney, center, with Citibank Mentors and TELACU Scholars at gathering held at Tamayo’s Restaurant.
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TELACU Scholars Advance Toward Their Dreams
Citi Mentors TELACU Scholars Through College
By EGP News Report
There is no doubt that scholarships are an important part of the college picture for low-income students. Without them, many young men and women would be unable to pursue a degree at a college or university, public or private.
And for many, if not most, that means a lifetime stuck in low paying jobs, and the continued cycle of poverty for another generation.
As the country continues to struggle with high rates of unemployment, it should be noted that college graduates are fairing better than other workers; unemployment among their ranks is less than half the national average.
Yet, as vital as scholarships are, they are only one part of the successful college graduation equation. Of equal importance to many first-generation college students is having a support network to help them do well, stay on track and finish school.
And while a student’s family might be supportive, for many, the whole college process and the demands of attending is unfamiliar territory. Maneuvering through the college bureaucracy, understanding teacher expectations and finding the right degree path for your career can be riddled with mine fields for students lacking support.
That’s where groups like the TELACU Education Foundation can make a big difference.
For nearly 30 years, TELACU has been committed to making what President Obama, in a recent speech in Ann Arbor, Michigan, referred to as the “single most important investment” in the lives of the first-generation college students it serves.
That investment is more than just financial. It includes a support system and comprehensive program known as the College Advisement and Leadership Program, which ensures the success of each TELACU Scholar.
The program is supported by a network of partners, all striving toward the same goal; college degrees and career opportunities for students participating in the program.
One corporate partner in particular, according to TELACU, is leveraging its investment for a higher return.
Nearly a decade ago, the Citi Foundation joined TELACU to create a unique partnership that provides scholars with annual financial awards of up to $7,500,” as well as mentoring support.
“This partnership mirrors the TELACU model of adding value to financial support,” said David C. Lizárraga, Chairman and Founder of the TELACU Education Foundation.
Lizárraga said Citi’s commitment to the community can be clearly seen in the “dedicated men and women” serving as mentors to student scholars in the program.
“Like Citi, the mentors are making our communities better,” Lizárraga told EGP.
“The Citi/TELACU Scholars, all pursuing careers in business, are matched with Citi mentors, many of whom are executives in business lines from across the company. In addition to periodic one-on-one meetings, mentors and scholars also attend group events together to ensure the students are meeting their goals. These goals are established in collaboration at the beginning of each year to ensure scholars successfully progress on their academic journey,” the TELACU Education Foundation explained in a written statement.
National Mentoring Month takes place every year in January, which also happens to be the mid-point of the academic year. It was also an opportune time to bring Citi/TELACU scholars together with their mentors for the “Midway Check-up Dinner.”
Lisa Deloney, Marketplace President and Citibank Division Manager for Metro Southern California, delivered a powerful keynote address during the dinner, held at Tamayo Restaurant in East Los Angeles.
On a personal note, Deloney recalled the critical role mentors have played in her life. She explained that she was lucky to have mentors who helped guide her to “a rewarding and successful career at Citi, from branch management to National Director of Service Quality to her most recent post.”
It’s a practice that she, and Citi, is proud to be continuing today.
“Citi is committed to improving the lives of individuals and families in the communities we serve,” said Deloney. “Mentors play a significant role in helping many people succeed, and through our support of Citi/TELACU Scholars, we can empower even more students to reach their full potential.”
A college degree is not only the greatest predictor of individual success, but also the success of our nation as a whole, according to Lizárraga.
There is no doubt that the return on Citi’s generous investment will contribute significantly to a well-educated and skilled workforce for the 21st Century, he said.
“And thanks to Citi’s commitment to leverage this with human capital, our Citi/TELACU Scholars will have a competitive edge upon entering the marketplace in this new economy—an information age, a digitalized age, and a global economy,” concluded Lizárraga.
Date: February 23, 2012
Source: Eastside Sun
