(Clarksdale, Mississippi) — Coahoma Community College (CCC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the HBCU Brilliance Initiative, a transformative national program led by the Reinvestment Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with headquarters in Philadelphia and Atlanta.
This award marks a significant milestone in Coahoma’s ongoing mission to provide a modern, sustainable, and student-centered learning environment. The grant funding will directly support infrastructure improvements and strategic development projects on campus, efforts that are central to President Dr. Valmadge Towner’s vision for continued institutional growth and excellence.
Dr. Towner’s emphasis on enhancing Coahoma’s physical and operational framework inspired the college’s pursuit of the HBCU Brilliance Initiative grant. His leadership reflects Coahoma’s dedication to strengthening its foundation while embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of students and the community.
“Coahoma Community College will continue to seek out partners and resources that can help the institution fulfill its mission. It is gratifying to know that the HBCU Brilliance Initiative deemed Coahoma’s past efforts and future plans to improve lives of students as valuable and potentially uplifting to our students. As a college, we will not waver in the work of providing quality educational services to constituents, and we will continue to seek and form alliances with individuals and groups who believe in our mission,” said Dr. Valmadge Towner, President of Coahoma Community College.
The successful acquisition of this funding was the result of a strong collaborative effort among members of Coahoma’s leadership team. Gwendolyn Johnson, Director of Federal and Sponsored Programs, led the grant writing and coordination process with Letha Richards, Chief of Staff; Deborah Valentine, Financial Management; Dorothy Conley, Chief Financial Officer; and Karen Done, Director of Student Services. Their teamwork and commitment underscore the college’s proactive approach to resource development and its drive to expand opportunities that support institutional advancement.
The HBCU Brilliance Initiative, launched earlier this year, is designed to strengthen the financial health and sustainability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the United States. Through a combination of $40,000 in grant funding and access to up to $1 million in financing, the initiative enables participating institutions to invest in vital campus projects such as infrastructure modernization, predevelopment planning, and environmental sustainability efforts.
For Coahoma Community College, this grant represents more than just financial support, it serves as a testament to the institution’s continued relevance and resilience within the HBCU community. The funding will help advance Coahoma’s goals of improving campus facilities, creating more efficient and environmentally responsible systems, and ensuring that future generations of students have access to a high-quality educational environment.
Coahoma Community College remains steadfast in its mission to uplift and empower students through education and opportunity. This grant will allow the college to make meaningful, lasting improvements that align with its long-term vision for progress, innovation, and community impact.
As one of Mississippi’s most historic and forward-moving community colleges, Coahoma continues to build on its legacy of excellence while looking toward the future. The college’s participation in the HBCU Brilliance Initiative reaffirms its leadership in fostering institutional sustainability and educational access in the Mississippi Delta and beyond.