Macomb Community College awarded $1 million from Gene Haas Foundation to enhance advanced manufacturing training

Macomb Community College is making a new investment in the region’s workforce future, thanks to a $1 million gift from the Gene Haas Foundation. The funding will support enhancements to Macomb’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC), expanding access to advanced training in one of Macomb County’s most in-demand fields: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining.

As part of the gift, M-TEC’s CNC lab, a training setting that mirrors today’s manufacturing floor, will be named the Gene Haas CNC Lab at M-TEC for the next 15 years. The lab provides students with an immersive, hands-on environment that ensures they gain industry-ready skills.

“We greatly appreciate this investment from the Gene Haas Foundation, which further strengthens Macomb Community College’s work in developing a highly skilled manufacturing workforce,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “The enhancements to Macomb’s M-TEC  training environment made possible through the Haas Foundation gift will expand opportunity for students, support their career success and help meet the talent needs of employers across our region.”

The gift will support several student-centered improvements, including:

• A dedicated student lounge designed to provide collaborative and comfortable gathering space
• Upgraded job placement systems to connect students more effectively with employment opportunities
• Expanded support resources, such as access to laptops and toolboxes, emergency financial assistance and bus passes

“Our foundation is proud to support Macomb’s efforts to prepare more individuals for high‑demand, high‑skill careers that strengthen local industry,” said Kathy Looman, executive director, Gene Haas Foundation. “The foundation’s goal is to support manufacturing education and introduce young people to the industry. What the college is doing is amazing, so partnering with Macomb was an obvious choice.”

For students, the investment enhances their ability to complete cutting-edge CNC training and strengthens pathways into high-demand manufacturing careers.

“Macomb’s M-TEC is a hub for advanced manufacturing workforce development, and the Gene Haas Foundation’s generosity allows us to expand what is possible for our students and regional industry,” Sawyer added. “This investment supports Macomb’s continued leadership in technical education and workforce development.”

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

About the Gene Haas Foundation

The Gene Haas Foundation was established by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, Inc., to support manufacturing education and inspire the next generation of skilled technicians. The foundation provides scholarships, grants and resources to institutions across the country to strengthen CNC and advanced manufacturing training. In 2024, the foundation distributed over $32 million in grants, bringing its total contributions since 1999 to more than $225 million.

Media Contact: Scott Roush, roushs080@macomb.edu, 586.945.0168