$16,000 grant benefits CCTC machining technology program

STAFF REPORT
A $16,000 grant awarded to Central Carolina Technical College from the Gene Haas Foundation will bring more students into the college's machining technology program, according to a news release from CCTC.
The check was recently presented to CCTC Dean of Industrial and Engineering Technology Bert Hancock and Academic Program Manager for Machining and CNC Technology Eddie Humphries.
Gene Haas founded Haas Automation Inc. in 1983 and is currently the largest machine tool builder in the western world. Haas' commitment to U.S. manufacturing led to the development of his foundation that focuses on granting money to help expand machining and CNC technology programs, according to the release.
CCTC's Basic Machining and CNC Fundamentals Certificate develops skills in basic machining and computer numerical control (CNC) operations. Because of the fast-growing nature of industrial technology, those who have developed skills in CNC operations are in high demand.
The money will be used for scholarships for students in a machining-based training program at CCTC and is administered through the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation. Since 2015, the Gene Haas Foundation has contributed more than $90,000 to the CCTC Foundation to award as scholarships to machining students.
Last August, CNC students were provided measuring tools to use in the classroom, thanks to money donated by the Gene HAAS Foundation.
"We are thankful for the generous donation from the Gene Haas Scholarship Foundation," Humphries said in the release. "The scholarship money will take some of the financial pressure off, letting our students focus on gaining those critical skills needed in the industry."
For more information on CCTC's Machining and CNC Technology Program, contact Eddie Humphries at (803) 778-7814.