Local Mississippi teachers launch new programs through Nissan and BankPlus Mini Grant Program

Pouring into communities where we operate is at the heart of Nissan’s mission. Over the last 15 years, Nissan and BankPlus have partnered on the Mini Grant Program for Mississippi teachers – funding projects across the district. For the 2021 to 2022 school year, more than $20,000 is being awarded to nine teachers.

The six grants are funding elementary and middle school programming focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Life Skills 101, Learning to Love Letters and more. Kimberly Popichak, a Special Education teacher at Mannsdale Upper Elementary, is using her grant award on supplies to help her students continue to develop their strengths and interests -- while exposing them to STEM activities. Two teachers, Carney Holloway and Peri Frazier, of Old Town Middle School applied to continue their work on teaching basic life skills to students school-wide.

"It is teachers who do the crucial work of supporting students and continuously encouraging them to learn new things," said Parul Bajaj, senior manager, Philanthropy. "We are honored to further their efforts to create positive change in their schools."

Canton Public School District received three grants for Canton High School and Myers Canton Schools of Arts & Sciences programming. At Canton High School, new choir director, Marjorie Williams, plans to use her award to build a choir program for students. Natascha Beals-Bradley and April Anderson at Reuben B. Myers School of Arts and Science are seeking to build interest and support students on the subjects of grammar, vocabulary and mathematics. With these recent contributions, nearly 2,000 children in these programs are impacted.

To date the program has given over $900,000 to the Madison County School District and the Canton Public School District. Thanks to the works of these dedicated teachers and their programs, the future will be bright!