- Since 2007, Nissan has awarded grants to schools in Central Mississippi.
- BankPlus is a long-standing partner in this effort.
- The grants will support a wide range of education initiatives designed to enhance the learning experience of area students.
CANTON, Miss. – Today Nissan and BankPlus will award 32 grants totaling $90,281 to fund creative educational projects taught by teachers in the Canton and Madison County school districts, which will each receive 16 grants. The Nissan/BankPlus Education Mini-Grant Program, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson, has awarded more than $650,000 to local schools since the program was created in 2007.
Each year local teachers, counselors and school administrators are invited to apply for the grants, which provide funding for projects that their school’s budget will not cover. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 and support innovative teaching and learning that aligns with state-mandated curricula.
The names of this year’s projects illustrate the range of topics that will engage students: “Bacteria Quest,” “Everyday Math with Everyday Technology,” “Read to Lead” and “Geometry: Does It Really Add Up?” Some project funds will be used to purchase robotics kits, science laboratory supplies, a printer to enable the publishing of original writing, or materials to support the creation of a one-act opera produced by fourth graders.
“Through the Eyes of a Book,” “Hooking Nook,” “Writing ‘;Workshop,'” “Picnic Anywhere” and “What Will One Hundred Get You?” are among the additional submissions from the Canton Public School District, while teachers in Madison County School District will also use the grants to offer their students “A Day To Measure,” “Wiggle While You Work,” “Maneuvering Manipulatives: Literacy that Moves,” “SPARKS of Interest” and “”Drums Alive” in Exercise!”
“Each year we look forward to supporting our local schools by awarding these grants, giving children throughout Central Mississippi the chance to enjoy a diversity of experiences in education,” said Gene Delcomyn, senior executive vice president of BankPlus.
Since 2003, Nissan and its employees have awarded more than $12 million in educational grants, scholarships and in-kind gifts. Nissan employees give of their time as well, volunteering in classrooms, as one-on-one mentors or as board members for nonprofits focused on youth development and education.
“Nissan supports education initiatives across the nation and here in Mississippi because we understand the value of a quality education for each of our children and what that means for our future, said Steve Marsh, vice president of Nissan’s Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant. “We also appreciate BankPlus serving as a long-standing partner in this program and their commitment to education and our community.”
Nissan will present the mini-grants this week to schools throughout the region. Representatives from BankPlus, Nissan’s on-site banking partner and mini-grant program collaborator, will participate in the ceremony.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. LEAF is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
About BankPlus
BankPlus, with total assets of more than $2.6 billion, has over 60 locations in 34 Mississippi communities. BankPlus offices are located in Belzoni, Bentonia, Brandon, Byram, Canton, Clinton, D’Iberville, Durant, Flora, Flowood, Gluckstadt, Hernando, Holly Bluff, Horn Lake, Isola, Jackson, Lexington, Madison, Meridian, Newton, Olive Branch, Pearl, Picayune, Pickens, Poplarville, Quitman, Ridgeland, Shubuta, Southaven, Stonewall, Tchula, Tupelo, Waynesboro and Yazoo City. For additional information on BankPlus, please visit www.BankPlus.net.
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Contact
Parul Bajaj
Nissan Corporate Communications
(615) 725-3061
Parul.Bajaj@nissan-usa.com