In the wake of George Floyd's murder, St. Olaf College established the George Floyd Fellowship for Social Change to support the advancement of Black American students through an emphasis on the advancement of social justice and equity.
As someone who grew up 10 minutes from the site of Floyd's murder, Isaac Coutier '22 saw the fellowship as a way to combine his interest in economics with his passion for making a difference in communities like the one he comes from in Minneapolis.
In June, St. Olaf announced a $100,000 commitment to create the George Floyd Fellowship for Social Change. Coordinated by the Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion, the program provides fellows with leadership development opportunities, mentoring, and stipends supporting internships or research projects, costs associated with travel to conferences, and educational materials.
When Coutier, a junior tight end on the St. Olaf football team, first heard of the program, he jumped at the opportunity to pursue a project of personal importance.
"When I saw the George Floyd Fellowship, I realized that it was a viable opportunity for me to build something that could truly be valuable to marginalized communities like my own," Coutier said. "The fellowship offered me the chance to implement a project that I am passionate about and believe will actually make a difference."
Before applying for the fellowship, Coutier put together a proposal for his project, called the "1st Percentile Coalition." In Coutier's words, the project's objective is "to combat overwhelming poverty rates specifically present in marginalized communities by focusing on financial literacy, financial growth, investment strategies, and strategic methods to increase savings."
An economics major with an emphasis in finance, Coutier was drawn to those academic interests, and ultimately the 1st Percentile Coalition project, as a result of his personal experience growing up in Minneapolis and his desire to help future generations.
"I didn't grow up with much but I knew I didn't want it to be that way forever," Coutier said. "Growing up, the only people I saw who looked like me that had a lot of money got it from a microphone, dribbling a ball, or a scale. I want to give everyone the ability and confidence to break the chain of poverty and bring their family into the one percent or anything else they desire — my goal is simply to provide the opportunity to succeed to the fullest extent."
After submitting his application for the fellowship, Coutier was one of four students whose projects were selected by the selection committee.
"Isaac's project aligns with the Committee's vision of proposing an idea that supports individuals beyond St. Olaf and supports the development of marginalized communities, especially communities of color," said María Pabón Gautier, the Taylor Center's Director of Equity and Inclusion. "His idea of spreading the wealth by spreading knowledge, education, and access is one that supports multiple generations and has the potential for longevity. We are really excited to support and follow his journey!"
Once implemented, the 1st Percentile Coalition will consist of a group of mentors of color, like Coutier, who will mentor the younger members of the coalition, bring in guest speakers, and facilitate field trips to banks, investment agencies, entrepreneurial businesses, and other institutions.
Coutier is currently working on finalizing the guidelines and objectives of his project before finding minority mentors in a wide range of career fields and selecting prospective students in grades 8-12 in Minneapolis.
"In the 1st Percentile Coalition, kids will see savvy black investors, Hispanic real estate moguls, and Native American doctors," Coutier said. "They will know it is possible to succeed and make it out because they will have the proof right in front of them. The exposure, open mindset, networking, and communal support will be extremely beneficial to kids along with college students like myself."
Looking back on his upbringing, Coutier hopes that his project will help kids from similar backgrounds to him achieve monetary independence and success.
"From my experience, one of the reasons people of color don't aspire to be wealthy is simply because they don't think it is a possibility or they have no clue how to start," Coutier said. "The 1st Percentile Coalition will give members the confidence that they can not only break out of poverty but financially break into the one percent and produce generational wealth that will change their lives and all their families' lives to come."
If you are interested in learning more or have any questions about the 1st Percentile Coalition, please email Isaac Coutier at coutie1@stolaf.edu. His project is supported by mentor Sophia McComb - TRIO Student Support Services Academic Advisor.
