Truist Foundation helps students break through financial barriers to college graduation

Truist Foundation began supporting Destination Graduation in 2017. The program aims to increase graduation rates among low-income, first-generation, and veteran students attending Seminole State College. It helps students by providing on-site, comprehensive support, including travel and school supply vouchers, financial coaching, and tuition support.

“Truist Foundation is one of our most reliable partners,” said Jeff Hayward, president and CEO of HFUW. “After a devastating event impacts our community, Truist Foundation is the first organization we call. Oftentimes, they’ll offer assistance before we even get the chance to call them for help.”  

Since its inception in 2015, Destination Graduation has helped more than 800 students stay in college and has provided mentoring, tutoring, career planning, and college exposure to 26,000 high school students. Additionally, 70% of college students who received emergency persistence funds from the program re-enrolled in school or graduated the following semester.

“Our goal at Truist Foundation is to create long-lasting partnerships with organizations that are truly making a difference in Truist markets and align with our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “By supporting students who are first-generation college-bound or from low-income backgrounds, Destination Graduation works to level the playing field, so all people are given equitable opportunities to thrive.” 

Every year, Truist holds a companywide workplace giving campaign throughout its markets that underscores the valuable commitment of Truist teammates in maintaining a strong relationship with the many local United Ways Truist supports. For the 2020-2021 annual campaign, Truist Foundation and Truist Charitable Fund gave over $4.5 million in grants to local United Ways.

 “Our workplace giving campaign is a moment in time where we can highlight our continued impact in partnership with United Way,” said Tammy Paycer, senior vice president and community development manager at Truist and HFUW board member. “We also provide ongoing volunteering through food drives, support for COVID-19 recovery, and hurricane disaster relief.”

In last year’s workplace giving campaign, teammates gave over $7 million in donations and pledges. While the campaign happens annually in the fall, Truist Foundation’s support for United Way is ongoing and making an impact across communities where Truist operates and its teammates live.

See more stories about the work Truist Foundation is doing.