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Stanly Community College has received a sizeable donation from the Gene Haas Foundation, earmarked for the naming of the machining lab that will be housed in the college’s new Trades Facility.

The donation, totaling $750,000, reflects the foundation’s commitment to advancing education and training in computer-integrated machining, engineering and manufacturing.

The donation from The Gene Haas Foundation will strengthen SCC’s capacity to attract and educate the next generation of machinists to meet growing workforce needs. The machining lab will now bear the name Gene Haas Machining Innovation Center, symbolizing the collaboration between the foundation and the college to further elevate the standards of education and training in the field.

SCC’s machining program has a history of producing graduates who are equipped to meet the demands of the evolving manufacturing landscape. With the naming of the Gene Haas Machining Innovation Center, the college aims to continue to provide students with access to cutting-edge equipment and technologies.

“We are deeply honored by the Gene Haas Foundation’s remarkable contribution, which happens to be the largest in the college’s history,” said Dr. John Enamait, president of Stanly Community College. “This partnership will significantly enhance the educational experience of our students and empower them to excel in the highly competitive field of machining.”

The Gene Haas Foundation was founded in 1999 by Gene Haas, owner of Haas Automation, Inc., America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools. Part of the Foundation’s mission is to help expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.

The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2022, it provided more than $22 million in grants, bringing the total since its inception to more than $150 million.

Along with Computer Integrated Machining, SCC’s new Trades Facility will provide more space for existing programs such as HVAC, Heavy Equipment Operations, Electronics Engineering Technology/Mechatronics, Welding and Electrical Lineworker.

It will also allow the college to provide additional trade programs not currently offered, including Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical Systems and Building Construction Technology.