FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Huntsville, Ala. – Drake State Community and Technical College is strengthening its 15-year partnership with the NASA High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program through major enhancements to its advanced manufacturing lab. This collaboration continues to offer students unique opportunities to work on real aerospace components and engage directly with NASA professionals.
As part of this continuing partnership, Drake State recently installed a Haas VF6 SS Machining Center in its new Leidos Advanced Training Complex. The VF6 significantly expands the college’s machine tool lab capability, making Drake State one of the only post-secondary institutions in the nation with a machine of this caliber. Drake State became the first two-year college in the Southeast to join the NASA HUNCH program in 2010.
The college is also pursuing the acquisition of a 3-foot by 5-foot Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), which would further enhance the precision capabilities of its lab and complement the VF6’s functions. NASA HUNCH representatives have expressed their strong support for this next step, noting its potential to multiply the benefits of the partnership exponentially.
“Our team is excited about what’s happening at Drake State,” said Tyler Williams, NASA HUNCH Mentor. “With the right tools and continued support, Drake State could become the premier NASA HUNCH program in the country.”
Drake State and NASA HUNCH look forward to leveraging this partnership to enrich student learning, boost program visibility, and strengthen Alabama’s role in the future of aerospace innovation.
About Drake State Community & Technical College
Established in 1961, Drake State Community and Technical College is a historically black community college in Huntsville, Alabama, home to the fast-growing, highly technical aerospace and defense industry, including the NASA Marshall Flight Center, US Army Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Parks. Drake State offers flexible, affordable university-transfer 2-year and technical degrees, certificates, adult and continuing education, and customized technical skills training for Huntsville/Madison County employers.Visit drakestate.edu for more information
About NASA HUNCH
The HUNCH mission is to empower and inspire students through a Project Based Learning program where high school students learn 21st-century skills and have the opportunity to launch their careers through participation in the design and fabrication of real-world valued products for NASA. Learn more at nasahunch.com.