GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne Community College’s Computer-Integrated Machining program has received a substantial boost with a $19,500 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation, providing critical support for students pursuing careers in manufacturing technology.
The donation will be strategically divided to maximize its impact on both students and faculty. The bulk of the funds—$18,000—will go directly toward student scholarships, while the remaining $1,500 has been designated as a travel allowance for faculty professional development opportunities.
The scholarship portion will help current and prospective Computer-Integrated Machining students cover essential educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, tools, and other course-related materials. This financial assistance addresses a key barrier that often prevents students from pursuing technical education in high-demand manufacturing fields.
“Because of the Gene Haas Foundation’s generosity, our students can focus on pursuing their dreams instead of worrying about the cost of their education,” said Bailee Gilbert, one of WCC’s Computer-Integrated Machining instructors. “Their support gives students the freedom to learn, grow, and work toward the futures they’ve always imagined.”
The partnership between WCC and the Gene Haas Foundation represents a sustained commitment to manufacturing education. According to fellow instructor David Meek, the foundation has consistently provided scholarship funding to the program annually since 2020.
“We have been able to help so many students here at WCC with this donation,” Meek noted, emphasizing the cumulative impact of the foundation’s ongoing support over the past five years.
The Gene Haas Foundation, established to advance manufacturing education, distributes millions of dollars each year to educational institutions and community organizations across the country. The foundation’s mission aligns with the growing need for skilled workers in the manufacturing sector.
WCC’s Computer-Integrated Machining program addresses this workforce demand by training students for careers in machining technology through hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment. The program offers flexible pathways for students, including an associate degree, diploma options, and various certificates to meet different career goals and timeframes.
Graduates of the program also have the opportunity to continue their education through a transfer agreement with East Carolina University, where they can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.
The latest donation underscores the critical role that private foundations play in supporting technical education and workforce development in North Carolina’s manufacturing sector.
Visit WCC’s Computer-Integrated Machining program, for more information
