Alabama A&M University is among 27 organizations to receive part of Mazda North American Operation’s (MNAO) $320,000 in donations to expand the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Mazda made the donations in collaboration with its eight Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs).
MNAO is donating $15,000 to Alabama A&M that will be split between the College of Business and Public Affairs and the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. The funding is for rising sophomores, juniors or seniors studying business or electrical or mechanical engineering.
Mazda says the respective deans of each College will decide which student in their college is most deserving of the funds. Those selected will be allowed to use the funds for school related needs such as books, tuition, school materials, or living expenses (on or off campus).
Recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above and show proof the funds are needed to cover their expenses.
AAMU and two other HBCUs, Hampton University, Texas Southern University received a donation, as did the United Negro College Fund.
“Our EBRGs are doing incredible work to create, nurture and advance a culture of inclusion and belonging while building lasting relationships,” said Mazda North American Operations President and CEO Tom Donnelly. “These donations and volunteer opportunities represent a critical avenue for our employees to live our values and grow our MNAO community by giving back where we live and work.”