Southern Company, one of the leading energy companies in the country, has made a gift to Mississippi State University that will help students from underrepresented groups pursue an engineering degree at the university’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. The gift will fund selected students with $4,000 each year and provide an excellence fund for scholarship advisors.
The recipients of the Southern Company scholarship must be rising sophomores enrolled in the Bagley College with preference given to majors in the fields of chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering or computer sciences. Applicants must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average and be a member in one of three organizations on campus: the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, or the Society of Women in Engineering.
“Southern Company hopes to provide support and guidance through this scholarship program,” said Southern Company executive vice president William O. Ball. “We believe solid advising and understanding how coursework has practical application in the real world through co-op and internships motivates recipients as they work to complete their degrees and find full-time employment, perhaps with the Southern Company team or with another company upon graduation as they become part of a much- needed diverse workforce.”
Additionally, the new funds will assist faculty and staff who serve as chapter advisors for one of three above mentioned engineering organizations. The advisors will assist in the scholarship application process, mentor students, and provide an annual program assessment of each student.
“We at Southern Company recognize that engaged advisers are key to the long-term success of these organizations, and we want to salute these advisers through a stipend for their motivations in helping companies like ours recruit future employees,” Ball said.
