MxCC Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Wesley Fox, Haas account manager Dan Murray, and MxCC Director of Advanced Manufacturing Tracy Ariel
Oct. 22, 2019 (Middletown, Conn.) — Middlesex Community College (MxCC) has received a $10,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation, according to MxCC Chief Executive Officer Steven Minkler.
Tracy Ariel, director of advanced manufacturing at Middlesex and Manchester community colleges, applied for the grant earlier this year and accepted the award from Haas account manager Dan Murray during a ceremony on Oct. 17, 2019.
“Middlesex Community College is excited to provide scholarships to manufacturing students through the Gene Haas Foundation. Students complete our manufacturing programs with the skills needed to meet their goals and be successful in today’s manufacturing workforce,” said Ariel. “Middlesex Community College has provided the community with manufacturing educational opportunities for more than a decade. Our programs educate students who are currently working and those interested in getting into Connecticut’s robust high-tech manufacturing industry.”
The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, founder and president of Haas Automation, a leading builder of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. The foundation’s goal is “to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC machining technology students and earn NIMS [National Institute of Metalworking Skills] credentials,” as stated on their website.
“We are working with technical high schools and colleges throughout the country that are seeking ways to train or upskill workers to fill employee demands. This is the first grant award for Middlesex Community College from the Gene Haas Foundation. We are proud to support programs like these that look to fill the skills gap in the region,” stated Haas Director of Education Toni Neary. “We are also proud to have another partner in Connecticut to tackle the skills gap with.”
The Haas Foundation has contributed over $60 million since 2014 supporting education throughout the world.
Since 1966, Middlesex Community College has provided high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, enhancing the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 70 degree or certificate programs at the 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden, and online.
