ITTA BENA, - Mississippi Valley State University will strengthen STEM education and expand opportunities for students through Nissan's latest $225,000 contribution benefiting seven historically Black colleges and universities across Mississippi.
This marks the 12th consecutive year Nissan has invested in Mississippi HBCUs, continuing a long-standing partnership focused on academic excellence, workforce development, and student success.
The funding will support STEM initiatives across the participating institutions, including laboratory enhancements, research experiences, scholarships, and hands-on learning programs designed to prepare students for careers in high-demand technical fields. MVSU will use its portion of the contribution to advance its STEM priorities and provide students with additional resources and learning opportunities.
“We are grateful for Nissan’s continued commitment to STEM education at Mississippi Valley State University. This investment expands opportunities in artificial intelligence, computing, research and professional development, helping our students gain the skills, experiences and industry exposure needed to become leaders and innovators in the STEM workforce,” said Dr. Latonya Garner-Jackson, chair of MVSU’s Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences.
“Nissan’s support strengthens our ability to connect classroom instruction with practical, hands-on learning,” said Dr. Antonio Brownlow, chair of MVSU’s Department of Engineering Technology. “These experiences are essential to preparing our students to solve real-world problems, adapt to emerging technologies, and enter the workforce ready to contribute from day one.”
Sustained corporate partnerships such as Nissan's play an important role in expanding access to educational opportunities, fostering innovation and building a more diverse and competitive STEM workforce.
“For more than a decade, Nissan’s support has helped open doors for students who aspire to careers in science, engineering and technology,” said Ali Tonn, senior manager of philanthropy for Nissan Americas. “Their ongoing investment reflects a shared belief in the potential of our students and the power of education to transform communities.”
Collectively, Mississippi's HBCUs have used Nissan's support to strengthen academic programs, expand student opportunities, and deepen community impact. This year's donation continues that legacy, reinforcing a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
About Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University, located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, is a public historically Black university committed to academic excellence, student success, and service to the Mississippi Delta and beyond. For more information, visit mvsu.edu.
About Nissan
For more information about Nissan's products, services, and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. Follow Nissan on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, and view its latest videos on YouTube.
About the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant
For more than two decades, employees at Nissan Canton have assembled high-quality, award-winning vehicles. The plant opened in 2003, bringing automotive manufacturing to Mississippi for the first time, and has since played a vital role in the state's economic development. Nissan Canton has become a central institution in Mississippi, creating more than 25,000 jobs statewide, contributing more than $20 million to local nonprofit organizations, and logging more than 12,000 volunteer hours to support stronger communities. The plant employs more than 3,000 people and currently produces the Nissan Altima and Frontier.
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