Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Approximately 100 high school Bigs who mentor elementary and middle-school youth in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward program attended a College Readiness Presentation & Workshop supported by Wells Fargo.

The young people learned the ins and outs of the college application process, technical college options, financial aid, and all about loans and budgeting.

“These students came away with information that will serve them well as they explore their educational options for the future,” said Malena Mendez, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “I’m so grateful to Wells Fargo for generously underwriting this program, so our ‘Big’ high schoolers have important information to attain their future goals.”

At the event, high school seniors celebrated their volunteer work for Big Brothers Big Sisters by receiving Big Brothers Big Sisters honor cords. The teens give their time to younger kids in the Big Brothers Big Sisters community program by participating in the Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success initiative.

“These young people really are amazing students, and we appreciate their efforts on behalf of the youth we serve,” added Mendez. “They have such an important, positive impact on our Littles on a one-to-one level, while Wells Fargo, the program’s sponsor, changes lives on a community-wide level.”

The College Readiness Presentation & Workshop was funded under the Wells Fargo priority to open pathways to economic advancement for racially and ethnically diverse and lowand moderate-income individuals and families through programs that increase financial inclusion and access, reduce debt, drive savings and wealth-building behavior, and transform systems that provide a better context within which people lead their financial lives.

The workshop included presentations from Broward College, Broward Technical College and the YV Foundation.