The East Georgia State College (EGSC) African American Male Initiative (AAMI) Program recently received a $10,000 grant from the Nordson Corporation Foundation. A check presentation was held Wednesday, July 26, followed by a plant tour at the Swainsboro Nordson facility. At the check presentation, EGSC faculty and staff discussed the AAMI Program with Nordson Corporation leadership and the impact the grants have on the students in the program and the community. The tour that followed the presentation gave EGSC an up-close look at the operations that take place each day at Nordson Corporation’s Swainsboro facility.
The AAMI Program began in 2013 at EGSC. The program’s mission is to help African American males successfully navigate college with a purpose to increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of African American males in the college’s service area. “Nordson is a founding supporter of the African American Male Initiative. Their consistent efforts have graciously contributed to the mission and purpose of AAMI. It is because of Nordson’s passion and support for our community that members of AAMI have been able to experience life and success that would have otherwise not have been a reality,” said Antre’ Drummer, Director of EGSC AAMI Program and Associate Professor of Mathematics.
This grant will continue to assist in raising the bar and providing support to the African American Males who are ready to show their DRIVE. That is, they are Dedicated to succeeding, models of Respect, continuously Inspire those around them, Vigilant, and practice Excellence. The objective is to help produce well-groomed members of society and that is best done through the mentorship. That mentorship includes enrichment programs such as conferences and summits, teambuilding activities and motivational/inspirational speakers, etiquette workshops, and more. The bar has been raised and this grant will assist in helping the participants see their value and ignite their potential.
For more information about the Nordson Corporation Foundation, please visit www.nordson.com and view the Community Impact Outreach section of the webpage.
