Haas Foundation donates $20k to Mississipi community college

Students in Itawamba Community College’s Precision Machining Technology program have a new toolbox, courtesy of a $20,000 grant by the Gene Haas Foundation.

Among the items in the five-drawer steel tool roller cabinet are a micrometer set; caliper; steel rule; tape measure; adjustable wrench; hex key, drill bit and L-handle sets; hammer; sharpening stone and flat file.

“We would like to thank the Gene Haas Foundation for their generous contribution and support of our program and for the difference the toolboxes will make not only in the success of our students but also when they graduate and enter the workforce,” said instructor Jerry Pettigrew. The students will be allowed to keep them as a gift from the Foundation. “In addition, we appreciate MSC Industrial Supply Co. for their assistance in putting together this starter toolbox for our students.” MSC is a leading North American distributor of a broad range of metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations products and services.

Recipients include Caleb Johnson, Cole Nichols, Parker Rogers, all of Blue Springs; Tyrus Lowe of Columbus; Colten Winter of Houlka; Dylan Bramlitt, Jonathan Whitt, both of Pontotoc; Trent Rowan of Saltillo; Justin Carwile of Thaxton; and Landon Talley of Tupelo.

“The toolbox and tools provided will allow me to complete any job I come across in the shop,” Cole Nichols said. “They are really a great head start to obtaining all the tools I will need for the remainder of my career.” Caleb Johnson agrees, “Thank you to everyone involved with supplying us with these toolboxes. Every tool that was given is used daily by me and will make my career a little bit easier having the right tools for each job.”

“The (Gene Haas) Foundation’s goal is to help students attain skills in the machining industry,” according to a letter received with the $20,000 grant check. “We do this by providing scholarships for CNC machine technology students and also by providing students with the experience of competing in team skills competitions that highlight design, engineering and manufacturing with CNC-machined parts as a primary component.”

In 1999, Gene Haas formed the foundation, which bears his name because he grew up with a strong social conscience instilled by his family. It was initially designed to fund the needs of the local community. Haas Automation is now a billion-dollar company. The focus of the foundation has shifted to the current outreach and methodology. Its purpose is to introduce students to careers in machine technology and manufacturing, to build skills in the machining industry and to help military veterans enroll in programs that train them to become skilled machinists.

ICC’s Precision Machining Technology program is designed to prepare individuals for various-level positions in precision high-tech manufacturing. It includes instruction and practice in manufacturing techniques and processes, including standard conventional machining, computer-numerical-control machining and computer-aided design and manufacturing. Students develop skill sets that are valued by manufacturers nationwide and validated by national accrediting agencies such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills and the National Association of Manufacturers.