Nissan is donating $250,000 to Mississippi’s seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities, according to an announcement made by the automaker Wednesday.
For the 11th consecutive year, Nissan is donating to the following HBCUs: Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds Community College – Utica Campus, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, and Tougaloo College.
The support comes through Nissan’s Mississippi HBCU STEM Initiative, which was founded in 2014 and aims to support and encourage innovative programming serving Mississippi students and strengthening the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce.
“I’m particularly proud as an alumnus of Alcorn State University for Nissan to contribute to the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at Mississippi HBCUs, creating the next generation of workforce leaders,” said Victor Taylor, vice president of manufacturing at Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant.
“Nissan’s Canton facility counts dozens of Mississippi HBCU graduates among its leadership and staff,” he added. “In continuing this investment, we are helping to prepare students for their future careers in industries like automotive, creating a growing talent pool for this community.”
Among the funded projects are a STEM camp at Coahoma Community College, STEM student support and engagement initiatives such as robotics and laboratory resources at Jackson State University, and an innovation and internship program at Mississippi Valley State University.
Nissan has invested a total of $2.75 million in STEM efforts at Mississippi HBCUs since 2014.