$60,000 grant from Nissan North America will help support STEM programs at JSU

May 5, 2016
Jackson State University College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) Dean Dr. Richard Alo (center) checks out the high-tech features of a 2015 Nissan Murano with Ahmad Faizi (left) a JSU grad and system engineer with Nissan, and his brother, Kahma Faizi, a senior in civil engineering who is a co-op student with Nissan, during Nissan Day at CSET. (Photo by Charles A. Smith, JSU)
Congressman Bennie Thompson (fourth from left) and Dr. Loretta Moore, JSU vice president for Research and Federal Relations (fifth from left), join representatives from NISSAN and other Mississippi HBCUs in acknowledging the STEM Initiatives gift from Nissan North America Inc.
Congressman Bennie Thompson (fourth from left) and Dr. Loretta Moore, JSU vice president for Research and Federal Relations (fifth from left), join representatives from NISSAN and other Mississippi HBCUs in acknowledging the STEM Initiatives gift from Nissan North America Inc.

Jackson State University received $60,000 from Nissan North America Inc. to help support STEM programs in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET).

The donation is part of Nissan’s $250,000 initiative to help Mississippi HBCUs address the need for more minority leaders in STEM fields, which are growing exponentially in the country.

While the nation is expected to have more than 8.6 million STEM-related jobs available in 2018, the National Math and Science Initiative warns as many as 3 million of those jobs could go unfilled at the current rate the U.S. produces workers trained in STEM.

Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers, said, “Nissan’s generous support will help CSET prepare students for career opportunities in STEM with a specific focus on imparting scientific and technical skills required in advanced manufacturing processes that ultimately improve quality and productivity in today’s industries.”

There is a critical need to invest in strengthening STEM education programs and the STEM pipeline throughout the country. Demographic trends of the U.S. compounded this issue because they indicate a need to not only create more STEM graduates but also to attract more women and minorities to these fields.

Dr. Richard. A. Aló, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said, “Nissan’s support will help us create new opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and skills. This investment will help ensure our students will be prepared for the rapidly changing STEM work environment.”

In addition to reinforcing technology, CSET is focused on securing an effective STEM pipeline. CSET students have been selected to participate in this year’s summer internship program. Among them, senior and environmental engineering major Ayanna Lynn has been extended an offer once her matriculation is complete.

Dr. Wilbur Walters Jr., associate dean for CSET’s Undergraduate Programs, Recruitment and Retention, said, “Nissan has been a solid partner in assisting us with our STEM outreach efforts. With this donation, we will ensure students interested in pursuing STEM careers get the opportunity to explore options at Jackson State University that will manifest into long-term careers.”