Written by Tim Jones, Higher Ed Marketing Manager at Magellan Promotions
More than a decade ago, author Simon Sinek pointed to something great leaders and organizations understand. “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
Part of what makes the work we do with higher education clients so energizing is that we often share the same motivation. While we go about it from different angles, our collective “why” comes down to actively creating opportunities for as many people as possible to experience the transformational impact of higher education. It’s a moral imperative.
Yet, inequalities and broad systemic issues continue to threaten access to higher education for students of color and low-income families. There is much work ahead of us all.
I’m proud to work for an organization that is trying to effect change in the unique ways that it can. Magellan’s Captain Michael Wolaver recently shared some of the initiatives the company is taking on now and in the future for diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. As part of the dedicated committee that’s pushing changes forward, I have the chance to help identify how our efforts can have the greatest impact for those we serve. Among those is a philanthropic commitment to charities that reach underserved populations to provide students educational opportunities and support. We donated to two organizations that serve our local communities this year, both of which work at the intersection of social justice and education.
“We provide a results-driven program that helps students from diverse backgrounds get into college and persist through graduation. This programming is supported by recruiting, training and motivating recent college graduates who serve through AmeriCorps as near-peer coaches.”
UNCF – Midwest Region
“Awards more than 10,000 students scholarships, worth more than $100 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.”
The scholarships, programs and financial support provided by these organizations can continue to change the landscape of higher education to create more realistic pathways for more people. I’m thrilled that supporting this mission is a part of our work at Magellan, and there’s plenty more for us to do. Stay tuned!