Nissan has made a $250,000 investment in seven Mississippi historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.
With this contribution, Nissan has invested nearly $2 million in local HBCUs since its Canton facility opened in 2003 – with more than half directed toward STEM-specific curriculums. The company recently was recognized by US Black Engineer & Information Technology Magazine as a 2018 Top Supporter of HBCU Engineering Schools.
The donations were presented to Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds Community College – Utica Campus, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tougaloo College. Resources provided to each institution will be used to promote a range of STEM-related programs and departments, including applied sciences, engineering, math, and computer and information science.
“Our continued commitment to HBCUs, specifically in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is vital to fostering the minds of the next George Washington Carver or Mae Jemison,” said Jeffrey Webster, director, Diversity and Inclusion, Nissan North America, Inc. “These institutions have implemented proven practices to assist students in STEM fields, and we are proud to help make their students’ career dreams a reality.”
A 2016 report from the National Science Foundation showed that HBCUs make up 21 of the top 50 institutions for educating African-American graduates who go on to receive their doctorates in science and engineering. And while HBCUs make up just 3% of colleges and universities, they produce 27 percent of African-American students with bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields.
Ayanna Lynn, a civil engineering master’s student at Jackson State University, and process engineer at Nissan Canton said, “I am grateful and proud to work for a company that supports HBCUs. The company is fully committed to their success.”
