CANTON, Miss. — Nissan is extending its long-standing commitment to Mississippi’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a $250,000 donation supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The investment is part of the automaker’s Mississippi HBCU STEM Initiative, which has provided more than $2.75 million in funding since 2014.

Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is among the seven HBCUs benefitting from this year’s funding. The university’s initiative, MVSU Innovates: Where Technology Meets Purpose, strengthens STEM programming through technology upgrades, hands-on learning, internship placement, faculty development, and student participation in conferences and competitions.

“Through Nissan’s partnership, our students gain access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities that position them for success in the global workforce,” said Antonio Brownlow, Ph.D., chairperson of MVSU’s Department of Engineering Technology. “This support ensures that we can continue to foster innovation and prepare workforce-ready graduates.”

Latonya Garner-Jackson, Ph.D., chair of MVSU’s Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, said the investment builds momentum for the university’s STEM pipeline. “Our students are participating in code-a-thons, hack-a-thons, and national conferences where they showcase their talents, expand professional networks, and compete alongside peers from across the country,” she said. “Nissan’s support helps make these experiences possible and directly impacts the future of STEM in the Mississippi Delta.”

Since opening in 2003, Nissan’s Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant has created more than 25,000 jobs statewide and invested more than $20 million in local nonprofit organizations. The plant is transforming into a U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing center, aligning its innovative production with the STEM principles taught at Mississippi HBCUs.

The Mississippi HBCUs receiving Nissan’s donation are Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds Community College – Utica Campus, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, and Tougaloo College.