(Business Wire)  Today Nissan announced the donation of $250,000 to six local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to promote STEM initiatives at each school to inspire and develop talent. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Nissan executives will present representatives from Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tougaloo College with resources to support their programs.

“These six institutions have a rich history of continuously advancing their programs to enhance their student’s educational experience. This contribution continues Nissan’s commitment to HBCUs and to diversity, education and service in our community,” said, Jeffrey Webster, Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

Resources provided to each institution will be used to promote a range of STEM related programs and departments including applied sciences, engineering, math, computer and information science and many more.

This donation, to be announced at an event on Friday, March 20, at 10:00 AM, builds on the success of Nissan Canton’s previous partnerships with HBCUs. As a result of one such partnership, in March 2013 Nissan donated two robots to Alcorn State University’s Advanced Technologies Program, which gave students first-hand experience with the kind of technology used in manufacturing facilities.

“I am very proud of the work our HBCUs are doing to develop the scientists, engineers and innovators of tomorrow,” said Thompson. “As one of the largest manufacturers in our state, Nissan understands the need to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities. I applaud their demonstrated commitment to our community and look forward to their continued support in the future.”

About Nissan

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 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.9 million vehicles in 2012, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($US118.95 billion) in fiscal 2011. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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 as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 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 Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.