The Bean Path Receives $100,000 Through Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Community Funding Projects

Dr. Nashlie Sephus and Congressman Bennie Thompson are joined by members of the Bean Team and board members of the Jackson Redevelopment Authority on Wednesday, February 18th as Congressman Thompson presented a check for $100,000 to The Bean Path.

Jackson, Miss. — The Bean Path has been awarded $100,000 in federal Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, as part of a broader $850,000 investment supporting five impactful organizations across Central Mississippi. Additional recipients include the Jackson Resource Center, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, the Town of Terry, and M.W. Stringer Lodge (Masonic Temple in Jackson).

The funding will enable The Bean Path to expand its work as Mississippi’s community-based technology hub, advancing workforce development, artificial intelligence training, older adult technology services, makerspace programming, entrepreneurship, and youth STEAM camps.

“This $100,000 grant from Congressman Thompson and the Jackson Redevelopment Authority is a significant investment in digital equity and economic mobility,” said Dr. Nashlie Sephus. “These resources will help us scale critical programs that provide technical upskilling, hands-on innovation experiences, and expanded access to technology for residents across Mississippi and the Deep South.”

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA), which served as the conduit for the federal funds, emphasized the collaborative impact of the investment.

“JRA is proud to partner with Congressman Bennie G. Thompson to support five transformative organizations through this federal funding,” said JRA stated via their Facebook page. “We are honored to help advance initiatives that strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and drive long-term economic growth.”

Funding will benefit the following organizations:

• The Bean Path

• Jackson Resource Center

• Copiah-Lincoln Community College

• Town of Terry

• M.W. Stringer Lodge

The Bean Path will utilize the grant to enhance workforce and AI training pathways while expanding youth STEM programming and adult digital literacy classes—further positioning Jackson as a growing hub for innovation and inclusive technology access.

The Bean Path also expressed appreciation to the JRA Board of Commissioners for their continued leadership and commitment to advancing community-centered development across the region.