Dabo’s All In Team Foundation® has donated $20,000 to Clemson’s Call Me Mister program.

The mission of “Call Me MISTER” is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader more diverse background particularly among the State's lowest performing elementary schools. Student participants are largely selected from among under-served, socio-economically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities.

Dr. Roy Jones the program director said, “The support Call Me MISTER received from Dabo’s All In Team Foundation enables us to deliver high quality and consistent programming for students pursuing teaching careers in South Carolina public elementary and middle schools. Our program has been recognized nationally by major organizations, high profile individuals and the media for its success in recruiting, retaining and developing pre-service teachers for the past 12 years. Our ability to sustain success is largely due to their generosity. We will remain forever grateful!”

The funds will be used to fund what Dr. Jones describes as a “co-curriculum” for the Call Me MISTER students. The “co-curriculum” is a series of various leadership and communication skill development workshops and seminars held over the summer focused on preparing the students to transition to the class room as real-life teachers.

Coach Swinney, “I read an article recently that said one-third of all students in South Carolina are African American, yet less than 1 percent of teachers are African American males. Statistics show black males that have had at least one male teacher between pre-K and eighth grade are three times more likely to graduate high school and continue post-secondary education”. Coach added, “Those statistics validate the need and importance of the Call Me Mister Program to the state of South Carolina.”

Proceeds from the Foundation’s annual fantasy camp, fund raising events and at-large donations go toward supporting the “Call Me MISTER” program.