NASA to Boost Aerospace Training
Drake State Community and Technical College is taking its longstanding partnership with NASA’s High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program to new heights with major upgrades to its advanced manufacturing lab. NASA to Boost Aerospace Training.
The college recently installed a state-of-the-art Haas VF6 SS Machining Center at its new Leidos Advanced Training Complex. This addition significantly enhances the college’s capabilities. Making it one of the few institutions in the nation with this advanced equipment. The VF6 will give students hands-on experience working with full-scale aerospace components, furthering their skills for future careers in aerospace and manufacturing.
“This is not just an equipment upgrade; it’s a transformative leap,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. “Through this partnership with NASA HUNCH, our students will gain hands-on experience using full-scale aerospace components and prepare for real-world careers in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.”
Drake State became the first two-year college in the Southeast to join NASA HUNCH in 2010. The collaboration continues to provide students with unique opportunities to directly engage with NASA professionals. Developing products used in real missions.
In addition to the VF6, Drake State is working to acquire a 3-foot by 5-foot Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), which will further enhance the precision capabilities of its lab.
Drake State Community and Technical College has made history as the first college in Alabama to receive a $1.5 million Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The grant is part of a $65 million initiative awarded to 18 colleges across 14 states. To expand workforce training in critical industries like advanced manufacturing.
“This grant underscores Drake State’s leadership in delivering cutting-edge training programs that transform lives and strengthen the North Alabama region,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “With this funding, we will expand our impact, preparing more students for rewarding careers while supporting the workforce demands of our industry partners.”
Drake State plans to use the $1,514,520 grant to launch its Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. The Huntsville Tech FAME chapter builds a pipeline of skilled maintenance technicians to meet the needs of local manufacturers.
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Drake State was founded in 1961 as the Huntsville State Vocational Technical College. The Alabama State Board of Education, initially offered courses to African-American students. Classes commenced in September 1962 with 27 students enrolled in three programs: brick masonry, cosmetology and auto mechanics. The school comprised one building that sat on 32 acres (0.13 km2) of land deeded by Alabama A&M University.
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