$16K grant keeps STEM-Up Academy students on track at Hinds Utica

UTICA, Miss. (VDN) — A $16,000 Apex Community Grant from Apex Clean Energy is providing Hinds Community College with funding to sustain the STEM-Up Academy on the Utica Campus, replacing federal dollars cut from this year’s budget.

The grant covers costs for eight sophomore students in the STEM-Up Academy to complete their program.

“We are extremely grateful to Soul City Solar and Apex Energy for their commitment to helping our STEM-Up Academy students complete their degrees at Hinds,” said Matt Jones, vice president of advancement. “This financial support allows this sophomore cohort to realize their dreams of a career in one of the STEM fields.”

The STEM-Up Academy aims to increase the number of students earning associate degrees and pursuing bachelor’s degrees by building bridges through key academic transition points from high school to community college to four-year institutions.

“STEM-Up Academy is creating real pathways for students to grow, lead and thrive in STEM fields,” said Quita Bride, public engagement manager for Soul City Solar. “From academic enrichment to hands-on experiences, this work helps students see what’s possible and prepares them to achieve it. Soul City Solar is proud to support such a forward-thinking program. We deeply appreciate the Hinds Community College Foundation and the Utica Campus team for their commitment to student success.”

The academy provides research opportunities, STEM conference attendance, industry and university visits, and both academic and technical coursework in STEM.

“We are appreciative of Soul City Solar for their generous funding in support of STEM students at Hinds’ Utica Campus,” said Jonathan Townes, vice president of career and technical education, sponsored grants and HBCU initiatives. “Their investment helps to strengthen academic success, expand career exposure and provide transformative opportunities such as conference attendance and industry engagement. Because of this support, our students are better equipped to grow in the STEM fields.”