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HBCUs look to improve with STEM donations

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Mississippi's HBCUs receive STEM donation from Nissan
Maura Moed


Mississippi's Historically Black Colleges and Universities are hoping to increase the number of minorities that go into scientific fields. MPB's Maura Moed reports.

Beverly Hogan, President at Tougaloo College says America's minority population is increasing, along with opportunities in STEM-related professions. She says this is why it's vital for HBCUs to provide resources in Science,Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs.

"Minoritites are the fastest growing population in America. By 2050, this will be a nation of color. African American students and minority students are going to be filling the workforce of our future, and it is in all of our best interest to invest," Hogan says. 

William Bynum, Jr. is President of Mississippi Valley State University. He says having the adequate resources for STEM-specific curriculums makes a difference in the students' success. 

"It allows us to buy up-to-date equipment for those two departments so the students will be able to train and learn on the exact equipment they're going to be working in the work force," Bynum says

Leaders from Mississippi's six HBCUs gathered at Nissan to accept a $250,000 donation from the manufacturer. The money will be used on STEM programs.