[hr]
Jackson State University received a $20,000 grant from CenterPoint Energy on Tuesday. Funds will allow the College of Business to assist first-generation students at JSU with developing their digital and analytical skills.
“This is how we continue to elevate the exclusive relationship with our corporate partners, especially when they work with our faculty to really produce something greater,” said JSU President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “We’re very excited about this grant and look forward to hearing more about it and its success story.”
The investment will help the College of Business further educate students on Google marketing analytics and aid students in acquiring a Tableau Certification. The goal of the programs is to provide undergraduate students with the knowledge necessary to acquire internships following their sophomore year.
“We want to make sure this process continues to build a foundation, so when these kids come in (to the university), they’re going to acquire these skills that will enable them to be very productive in the workforce,” commented Okechukwu Anyamele, Ph.D., professor of economics.
This is the second year CenterPoint Energy has made a sizable contribution to JSU. In 2021 the energy company invested $30,000 in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology to help establish a coding program.
CenterPoint District Director, Jay Bruce Reber, wants to develop a pipeline between the company and the university that would provide long-term careers for JSU graduates.
“It’s important for CenterPoint to have a relationship with higher education institutions such as Jackson State. We will recruit engineers. We will recruit human resource workers, finance graduates, and other career fields,” explained Reber. “We need the universities to be strong to support the overall help for the communities we serve.”
Rep. Christopher Bell of District 65 attended the check presentation in support of his alma mater and the generous donation. Bell described how corporations investing in Mississippi’s institutions of higher education is vital to the development of the state.
“We have students from all over the country come to Jackson State University, and our goal as state representatives is to make sure we keep these individuals in the state of Mississippi to create jobs and start new businesses,” Bell remarked. “I’m always happy when you can show up and see a check being presented to ‘Thee I Love.’”
###
Media Contact: Anthony.j.howard@jsums.edu