Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

SALISBURY — The Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation received a $3,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to support scholarships and National Institute of Metalworking Skills credentialing for students in the computer-integrated machining field.

The grant will be used scholarships for students in the program to use for any college-related expenses.

“Training these skilled machinists is a critical part of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College mission, and Mr. Haas’ generosity just made that easier,” said college President Carol S. Spalding.

Haas is the owner of Haas Automation Inc., started in 1983 as one of America’s leading builders of Computer Numeric Control machine tools. Today, it is a billion-dollar company.

In 1999, Haas founded the Gene Haas Foundation. Growing up with a strong social conscience instilled by his family, Haas initially formed the foundation to fund the needs of the local community.

“We want to help grow engineers,” said Tripp Robinson, sales engineer with the Phillips Corp., Haas Factory Outlet. “Gene Haas cares about education and supporting colleges.”

Haas’ commitment to U.S. manufacturing has incited him to direct his foundation board to focus on manufacturing education in the form of scholarships for machinist training.

“I am so thankful for this donation and for the college’s partnership with Haas. It will help change our students’ lives – whether it’s supporting tuition costs, gas money to get them to class, or funding to support their credentials,” said Jason Hill, instructor in the computer-integrated machining technology program.

Haas is also a primary supporter of the community where his 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility is located.

“I really want to thank the Gene Haas Foundation for their generous donation. This is a great example of public-private partnership and the students who are supported by the scholarship funding and enhanced credentials that this grant provides will gain lifelong benefits from this contribution,” said Pat Horton of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation board of directors.

The foundation provides financial assistance to students and programs of Rowan-Cabarrus. It furthers the mission of the college by creating giving opportunities that expand college financial resources and develop sustainable programming for long-term fiscal stability.

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu/apply or call 704-216-7222.