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
jump start 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 [1]. Information about
CoMeT can be found at www.gadsdenstate.edu/comet [2].