Gadsden, Ala.— Gadsden State Community College has received a $1 million grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to support its Precision Machining Program located in the new Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Skills Training Center on the East Broad Campus. In recognition of the contribution, Gadsden State is naming the precision machining lab in the center the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Machining and Engineering Technology.
“Precision Machining is considered a high-demand, high-wage occupation,” said Alan Smith, dean of Workforce Development. “Our Precision Machining Program prepares students for rewarding careers as CNC machinists or programmers, automotive machinists, tool and die makers, mold makers and in tool and machinery sales. We are thankful for the generous contribution the Haas Foundation is making to our students at Gadsden State.”
Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation Inc., a leading machine tool manufacturer, founded the Haas Foundation in 1999 to support manufacturing education. The organization previously gifted funds to Gadsden State to support scholarships for students pursuing careers in manufacturing.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Haas Foundation for their extraordinary support,” said Elizabeth Wheatley, who wrote the grant for the college. “Their investment in our Precision Machining Program will have a lasting impact on our students and the local manufacturing industry. This grant ensures that our students will have access to excellent equipment and training that will give them the skills they need to thrive in high-demand careers.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 357,000 machining jobs in the country with a median annual income of over $53,000. Gadsden State offers an associate in applied science degree as well as certificates in Basic Machine Tool, Basic CNC and Additive Manufacturing. Gadsden State also provides dual enrollment opportunities in machining for high school students who want to get a jumpstart on training.
Students may also be interested in applying to the innovative Consortium of Machining Education Training, known as CoMeT. Students in the CoMeT program can earn an associate degree in Precision Machining Technology and gain the skills necessary to design and manufacture precision parts. Through
hands-on experience with Gadsden State’s industry partners, students are prepared for a career that requires advanced manufacturing craftsmanship. Applications are being accepted for CoMeT through Feb. 28 for the fall semester in 2025.
Smith said potential students are encouraged to explore all career technical opportunities at Gadsden State. He said career technical education is important for the region’s economic growth.
“Career technical education, like our Precision Machining Program, is vital to providing students with skills and training that employers are seeking in today’s workforce,” he said. “With demand for skilled machinists growing, this program helps bridge the gap between education and industry. We are preparing students for high-paying, secure careers.”
For more information about Gadsden State’s Workforce Development programs, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/technical. Information about CoMeT can be found at www.gadsdenstate.edu/comet.
Precision Machining Instructor Daniel Anderson, far left, demonstrates on machining equipment in the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Machining and Engineering Technology. Students are, from left, Thomas Yohe, Harrison Goforth and Justin Bashe.
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