Marion Military Institute receives $34M in funding, backed by Sen. Britt

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September 1, 2023

This week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt celebrated $34 million in funding by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for a new Math and Science Building at Marion Military Institute (MMI)’s Perry County campus.

MMI has prepared young men and women from across the country for successful civilian and military careers since 1842.

It’s part of the Alabama Community College System and one of only four military junior colleges in the country.

Sen. Britt’s office says the new classroom space will enable MMI to expand its course offerings in fields such as computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology. In addition, this investment will centralize all of MMI’s STEM classes and laboratories in a single state-of-the-art facility.

“Every Alabamian deserves the opportunity to live their American Dream, regardless of their zip code,” Sen. Britt said.

“Turning this dream into a reality starts with ensuring that each young person across our great state has access to a high-quality education. This targeted, strategic federal investment will not only provide a new facility for Marion Military Institute but will also allow the school to offer more courses to its students and better prepare them for the demands of a military or civilian career as they live out the institution’s mission of service.”

An update from the office of @SenKatieBritt on $34M in federal funding to build MMI's new STEM center. The new classroom space will enable MMI to expand its course offerings in fields such as computer science, cybersecurity & IT. https://t.co/PlQegq0nq5 @ACCS_Education

— Marion Military Inst (@MarionMilitary) August 30, 2023

MMI President Colonel David J. Mollahan, USMC (Ret) said, “We are excited at the prospect of this new building

“It will provide us the classroom and lab space and capabilities to expand course offerings in STEM. This will allow MMI to serve as both a leadership and STEM center of excellence.”

Earlier this year, Senator Britt met with Colonel Mollahan and MMI leaders and received an update on the campus and MMI’s goals for the future.

MMI is also home to one of the nation’s top Service Academy Programs, with more than 600 MMI cadets receiving Academy appointments in the last seven years. The school counts more than 216 generals and admirals among its alumni.

It has an annual statewide economic impact of $25 million and supports 394 direct and indirect jobs. Tracing its roots back to 1842, MMI is also the nation’s oldest military junior college.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270