UAlbany and Wells Fargo Bank Partner to Close the Achievement Gap for Local High School Students

Green Tech students and administration, along with UAlbany administration, offer their gratitude to Bernardo Ramos (fourth from the right, front row). Ramos is a regional vice president for Wells Fargo Bank, and leads a new partnership with UAlbany’s UHS Program. (Photo by Mike Nolan)

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 21, 2016) – A generous donation from Wells Fargo Bank to the University at Albany’s University in the High School (UHS) Program is enabling dozens of local high school students to start their path to post-secondary educational success.

The Bank has contributed $5,000 to a starter fund for a new initiative with UAlbany’s UHS Program. It will allow more than 60 students from Green Tech High-Charter School and Albany High School to earn college credit.

On Tuesday, Green Tech students and administration, along with UAlbany administration, offered their gratitude by hosting Bernardo Ramos, a regional vice president for Wells Fargo Bank. Ramos, who is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. and University at Buffalo graduate, spearheaded the UHS initiative.

At the event, Ramos met with students to share Wells Fargo’s educational mission and goals to eliminate the achievement gap in public education. He also spoke on his own road to professional success, offering personal mentorship and words of advice.

“We are thrilled that Green Tech High School has joined the UHS program, and even more excited that through Wells Fargo’s generous gift, students who otherwise would be unable to participate in the program, can benefit,” said Edelgard Wulfert, UAlbany College of Arts and Sciences dean. “I would like to thank Mr. Ramos and Wells Fargo for their support. By giving these students the opportunity to earn college credits in high school, you are putting them on the fast track to earning a college degree.”

The contribution will immediately go into effect for students who have qualify for UHS funding. It will cover the entire fee for one University in the High School class.

The University in the High School Program at UAlbany was established in 1983 within the College of Arts and Sciences. The program is designed as an innovative way to provide students in Capital Region high schools with the opportunity to earn college credit in over 30 subject areas. Courses help students begin to develop the skills and experience necessary for academic success in higher education. UHS fulfills the University at Albany’s commitment to measurable public engagement in the Capital Region.

To learn more about UAlbany’s UHS Program, visit the official website.

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