Renewable energy company Drax, a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, today announced a commitment of $50,000 to establish scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen enrolled in programs within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) at Alcorn State University (ASU), the nation’s first 1890 land-grant institution.
“This investment will strengthen our ability to prepare students for success beyond graduation by providing access to training, career readiness experiences, and the development of critical soft skills that employers value in today’s workforce,” Dr. Dexter B. Wakefield I, Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs at CAA said. “We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will create and look forward to working alongside the Drax Foundation to enhance workforce readiness, improve post-graduate outcomes, and equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in agriculture, STEM, and related industries.”
The scholarship initiative is designed to help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in agriculture, environmental stewardship, food systems, and related scientific fields. Beginning in the upcoming academic year, 20 eligible first-year students will receive financial assistance to support tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
“Our company believes that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to build a sustainable future and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education,” Deidra Jackson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Drax said. “By supporting students at Alcorn State, we are helping develop the next generation of agricultural innovators and environmental leaders who will play a critical role in advancing sustainable practices.”
Agriculture and renewable energy are increasingly interconnected as industries work to address climate challenges, improve resource efficiency, and promote long-term sustainability. Together, Drax and CAAS aim to support students whose future careers may contribute to innovative solutions in both sectors.
“We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will create and look forward to working alongside the Drax Foundation to enhance workforce readiness, improve post-graduate outcomes, and equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in agriculture, STEM, and related industries,” Dr. Wakefield said.
“This investment will strengthen our ability to prepare students for success beyond graduation by providing access to training, career readiness experiences, and the development of critical soft skills that employers value in today’s workforce.”
To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Drax’s community efforts, visit www.drax.com/community.
To learn more about Alcorn State University’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, visit www.alcorn.edu/caas
Featured image caption: Drax SVP of Corporate Affairs, Deidra Jackson and Dr. Dexter B. Wakefield I, Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs at CAA.
Contact Information:
Michelli Martin
Director of Community and Communications, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]
About Drax
Drax Group’s ambition is to reach net zero across its value chain by the end of 2040, including steps aimed at decarbonizing its supply chains. Drax’s approximately 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information, visit www.drax.com.
About Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University (ASU), founded in 1871, is the nation’s first public historically Black land-grant institution. Located in Lorman, Mississippi, ASU is committed to excellence in teaching, research and Extension while preparing students to become leaders in their professions and communities. Through a comprehensive range of academic programs, innovative research initiatives and community engagement efforts, ASU continues to transform lives and advance economic and social progress across Mississippi, the nation and the world. For more information, visit www.alcorn.edu.
