When Jonathan Townes, Vice President of Career and Technical Education and HBCU Initiatives at Hinds Community College, visited Apex Clean Energy headquarters this fall, he arrived as both an educator and a champion for Mississippi’s future workforce. During a Fireside Chat with Apex’s Fall Meeting, Townes helped shine a light on how wind and solar projects can do more than produce energy. They can expand opportunity, uplift students and strengthen communities for generations.
The visit marked another high point in the growing partnership between Soul City Solar and Hinds Community College. Over the past two years, this collaboration has supported scholarships and STEM programming. Most recently, when the STEM Up Academy lost federal funding in early 2025, Soul City Solar provided a $16,000 contribution to ensure students could continue receiving benefits that helped with tuition and housing.
Townes said the experience of touring Apex’s headquarters and participating in the Fireside Chat underscored the depth of that partnership. “My overall experience was great,” he said. “The communication leading up to the meeting was excellent, and the warm greetings during the event made the experience even better.”
He noted that seeing the teams and operations behind Apex’s projects made a powerful impression. “Visiting the headquarters provided further insight on the work being done,” Townes said. “I was able to learn more about the clean energy industry and network with leaders and additional partners connected to Apex.”
For Townes, the strength of the collaboration between Hinds Community College, Soul City Solar and Apex is rooted in shared commitment. “Strong partnerships are more than just signed agreements,” he said. “They are intentional, mission driven and mutually beneficial to both the entities and the individuals they’re serving.”
Looking ahead, he sees tremendous promise in the future of wind and solar energy across Mississippi communities. “The possibilities of more efficient energy usage, economic growth and the educational training that will cultivate future workforce leaders bring opportunities for learners at all levels,” he said.
As Soul City Solar continues its investment in students, educators and local advancement, Townes’ visit serves as a reminder: When clean energy companies and community institutions work together, the impact reaches far beyond a single project—it helps build a stronger, more resilient Mississippi.
*First Photo (L-R): Photo (L–R): Ken Young, CEO of Apex Clean Energy; Jonathan Townes, vice president of career and technical education and HBCU initiatives at Hinds Community College; and Michael Looney, vice president of economic development at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.
*Second Photo (L–R): Quita Bride, Public Engagement Manager at Apex Clean Energy; Michael Looney, vice president of economic development at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce; Jonathan Townes, vice president of career and technical education and HBCU initiatives at Hinds Community College