Mississippi Power invests in next generation of HBCU leaders at Gulf Coast Challenge
Mississippi Power recently collaborated with Alabama Power to sponsor the 7th annual Gulf Coast Challenge between Jackson State University and Alabama A&M University in Mobile, Ala.
The challenge attracts thousands of fans and alumni to the annual football game between Jackson St. and Alabama A&M. The goal - outside of winning the game - is to raise scholarship funds for the participating universities.
The Mississippi Power Foundation donated $25,000 to Jackson State University’s Heritage Scholarship fund, which provides assistance to sophomores, juniors and seniors majoring in electrical engineering with a 2.8 GPA or higher.
“Participating in the Gulf Coast Challenge is more than just supporting a football game, it’s about investing in the future of our communities,” said Vice President of Power Delivery and Division Operations Melvin Roland, who attended last week’s festivities. “By continuing to support HBCUs and their students, we are promoting a diverse and talented workforce that will drive innovation and success for our industry.”
Jackson State University President Dr. Marcus Thompson thanked the company for their donation and attentiveness to student needs.
“We are very thankful for the donation made by Mississippi Power,” said Thompson. “The Heritage Scholarship is pivotal in jumpstarting the matriculation of so many students, and we look forward to continuing and expanding this relationship.”
Prior to the actual game on Saturday, the challenge incorporated numerous community events, including the Gulf Coast Challenge Career Fair, where nearly 2,000 high school students from across 28 schools in Mobile and surrounding counties learned about careers in energy from employees at Mississippi Power, Alabama Power and the team at Plant Barry.
“By working together at the career fair, we were able to impact students before they begin their collegiate journeys and showcase the numerous opportunities in energy across the Southern Company service territory,” said Diversity & Inclusion Manager Kim Washington. “This early engagement helps us build a workforce that truly reflects and supports the communities we serve and the students we aim to empower.”
Mississippi Power also partnered with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce to host the Gulf Coast Challenge Business Reception. Local Alabama businesses and community leaders, as well as both university presidents, attended and discussed the impact of HBCUs both locally and nationwide. A $12,000 check was also presented to the Gulf Coast Challenge on behalf of the sponsors to continue their efforts.
Overall, the company’s involvement in the challenge aligns with Southern Company’s HBCU initiative by emphasizing a commitment to fostering education equity and inclusion.
Now in its 99th year of operations, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 192,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power was recognized by the Edison Electric Institute with an Emergency Response Award in 2023. The company was also a recent recipient of the Community Partner Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for its innovative and ongoing efforts to build a diverse workforce. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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