Donations from WCCO viewers boost scholarships for north Mpls. students
MINNEAPOLIS -- Donations are making a difference for north Minneapolis students. Since launching in 2018, Wilson's Image College scholarships have increased from $500 per student to $2,500.
Founder Teto Wilson, the owner of Wilson's Image Barbers and Stylists, credits WCCO coverage with boosting donations since 2021.
"I don't know if it was just something about you [WCCO's Shayla Reaves], when you got involved, you came in, we talked about the story, we got that big donation, that big $50,000 donation, you know that was amazing," Wilson said.
The $50,000 donation came from a WCCO viewer after the station's first story in January 2021. Though the viewer did not wish to be identified, Wilson said the two remain in communication. He credits WCCO with helping to raise a little more than $70,000 by "sharing the story once, sharing it again."
"I'm so thankful to you and I'm so thankful to viewers of WCCO. We have examples all around us of the impact of the scholarships. We're just going to keep it going." Wilson said.
This summer's recipients included Devon Selmon, a graduate of St. Agnes High School. He grew up in north Minneapolis and is currently a freshman at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
"I've always been the kid that's been told, 'Oh you're going to make it. You're going to be the one to do these great things.' It's cool to see that same support even outside of my own family," Selmon said. " My mom teaches me all the time to pour into those who sow into you. It's helpful to have people who I grew up with knowing, sow into me, pour into me."
Case Wilson is a sophomore at the University of Southern California and a 2021 graduate of DeLaSalle High School. He described Teto's presence in north Minneapolis and shared what the WIC Scholarship Program means to him.
"When I was younger, like 3 years old maybe, he was cutting my hair and everything. I've known Mr. Wilson for a long time … It's not just like a big scholarship organization. He actually knows me and that personal connection even makes me feel better about the scholarship," Case said.
Karon Abdullah graduated from Patrick Henry High School this year. He's a freshman attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. He explained what the WIC Scholarship program means to him.
"I'm getting help from someone who is in my community that shares experiences that I can actually walk up to and shake hands with. It feels really good," Abdullah said.
So far, scholarships have been awarded to 17 students over the last five years. Teto Wilson's ultimate goal is to provide a full ride scholarship.
"I'm happy to be in a position to give. I want to give more scholarships," he said. "When I'm in a position to be able to give back to my community -- and the people that are going to be great one day – I want to take every advantage that I have to do that."
The Wilson's Image College Scholarship program is open to scholars living in the 4th and 5th Wards of north Minneapolis. For information on how to donate or apply, click here.