Contact: Cheryl Forbes - 203-332-8531
BRIDGEPORT, CT – Students at Housatonic Community College (HCC) will have increased financial support as they pursue manufacturing and engineering education and training. That’s because HCC just received a $10,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation. The Gene Haas Scholarships will be given to students currently enrolled in or new students taking machining based training and/or engineering programs. The scholarships also cover Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining classes at a secondary level career center. The scholarship application process is open to all eligible students.
On receiving the award, Richard DuPont, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement said, “We are pleased that the success of HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program has been recognized by an industry giant, and that students will have a direct financial benefit because of this gift. The Haas Foundation’s goals mesh perfectly with what we do at Housatonic. This collaboration works, and its one we hope will continue and broaden in years to come.”
One of the goals of the Gene Haas Foundation is to introduce students to careers in machine technology and manufacturing by sponsoring educational events, programs and related competitions.
Housatonic Community College President Paul Broadie commented, “The Gene Haas Scholarships provide increased opportunities for students to access viable education and career options in advanced manufacturing and engineering. Based on program completion and employment rates, in addition to student testimonials, we know these programs and the personal and professional development experienced as a result, add value to their lives and to the regional and national economy.”
According to “The Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing 2015 and Beyond” , “Over the next decade, nearly three and a half million manufacturing jobs will likely need to be filled, and the skills gap is expected to result in 2 million of those jobs going unfilled.” As such, manufacturing is a growth industry where employers scramble to find qualified applicants to keep pace with current technology and highly skilled, but aging employees.
Gene Haas founded Haas Automation, Inc. In 1983. The company is now a billion-dollar enterprise and America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools. Mr. Haas’ commitment to the importance of U.S. manufacturing inspired him create his foundation and direct its board to focus on manufacturing education in the form of scholarships for CNC machinist training. Housatonic Community College is a student-centered institution offering the Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology, Level II Certificate and Engineering Science Pathways Associate Degree. Additionally, HCC offers more than 75 Associate Degree and occupationally oriented Certificate programs, and more than 20 transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities.
Housatonic Community College provides high quality, accessible instructional and student services in an environment of mutual respect. HCC is one of 12 regional community colleges within the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system, and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.