News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NR-09-01-26-HaasFoundation
September 1, 2026

COC Awarded Grant from Gene Haas Foundation

College of the Canyons has received a $15,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to support scholarships for students pursuing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) training through the college’s Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA).

"Advanced manufacturing continues to offer excellent career opportunities for our students and meets a critical workforce need throughout the region," said Jeff Gregor, assistant superintendent/vice president of workforce and economic advancement at the college. "This grant will help more students gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials in CNC technology, preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving field."

As a CNC Scholarship Program Grant School, COC will award scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 to selected students during the two-year grant period.

The scholarship funding is intended to encourage students to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing and develop skills in CNC technology, including CAD/CAM, mathematics for machining, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), metrology, metals and machining processes.

Launched in spring 2018, the UAA program provides advanced training and support for highly functional autistic individuals to work as CNC machinists.

The intensive 12-week program includes 420 hours of in-class instruction, 60 hours of job focus readiness, soft skills, site visits, and open laboratory participation.

Upon graduating, students can program and operate CNC machines, use quality control instruments, apply shop mathematics and read blueprints. Graduates qualify for a host of entry-level jobs, including machinist trainee, machinist apprentice, CNC operator, CNC programmer and more.

To date, the program has trained 60 students, all of whom found employment after earning a UAA certificate.

The next UAA cohort will launch on September 14 and will receive partial instruction at the college’s interim Advanced Technology Center (ATC).

Launched in 2023, the ATC is focused on expanding access to career education in high-growth sectors and aligning academic programs with evolving industry needs across the county.

Located at 26306 Diamond Place in Santa Clarita, the interim ATC offers pathways in advanced manufacturing, including Computer Numerical Control (CNC) production. Programs are designed to accelerate students’ progress toward industry-recognized certificates and credentials, allowing them to enter the workforce quickly or continue working toward an associate degree.

For more information about the Uniquely Abled Academy at College of the Canyons, please click here.