Power provider Tennessee Valley Authority is continuing its mission to help students across its service territory, announcing Wednesday a $30,000 donation to Itawamba Community College for STEM-related programming.
The grant will be used to establish a dedicated “STEM Lounge” on the Tupelo campus. The lounge will be a collaborative space for learning, innovation, and engagement for students and faculty interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, according to ICC officials.
“TVA’s generous support helps us build a dynamic environment where students can explore, collaborate, and grow in STEM disciplines,” ICC President Dr. Jay Allen said. “This lounge will become a central hub for hands-on projects, peer mentoring, and faculty-student interaction, strengthening our mission to prepare students for high-demand careers.”
The lounge will be fully furnished, including flexible seating and collaborative design features aimed to encourage teamwork and innovation.
ICC’s campus in Fulton already has a fully operating STEM Lounge, which was funded through partnerships and donations. ICC offers various programs and clubs for STEM students – lots of which has been supported by Tennessee Valley Authority in coordination with Tombigbee Electric Power Association. Their joint commitment to ICC is now up to over $69,000.
“TVA is proud to invest in institutions like ICC. That are preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Amy Tate, senior state director and government and community relations at TVA. “This project highlights our commitment to ensuring local students in higher education have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
In 2021, ICC was selected as one of the winning colleges in the American Association of Community Colleges’ MentorLinks: Advancing Technological Education program, which was a catalyst to the community college placing more emphasis on its SETM classes, programs, and mentorships.
