Nissan, one of the largest car manufacturers in Career Communications Group’s 2018 Top Supporters list, has announced a $250,000 investment in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). 

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, all based in n Mississippi.

More than 6,400 people work at the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Madison County, Mississippi.

Resources provided to each institution will promote exciting innovation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, including applied sciences, engineering, math, and computer and information science departments, the company said in a statement.

“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 recent survey of  HBCUs with ABET-accredited engineering schools, including Jackson State University, reveals the level of support that employers like Nissan give to HBCUs in their community.

Nissan was named as a top supporter in the Top Supporters of HBCU Engineering survey.

The 2018 top supporters list, released last month, is conducted annually by Career Communications Group, Inc. publisher of  US Black Engineer magazine and host of the annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference.

The survey reflects the perceptions that HBCU engineering deans share about the level of support HBCUs receive from corporate America.

The most important support range from internships and co-op opportunities to research partnerships, scholarships, and assistance with realistic design and real-world engineering problems for students.

Nissan has four U.S. manufacturing facilities capable of producing 1 million vehicles, 1.4 million engines, 1.4 million forgings and 456,000 castings annually.