Grant benefits MGCCC program students

Jamie Wilkerson, the precision manufacturing and machining technology instructor on the MGCCC Jackson County campus, was awarded $10,000 by the Gene Haas Foundation to benefit students in her program.

Wilkerson said students are expected to provide their own basic tools by most employers and covering the cost of getting started is often difficult.

MGCCC spent about $900 on each toolbox last year, but students will be able to choose some of the tools in their kits this year thanks to the grant.

Dr. Brad Bailey, the dean of teaching and learning on the Jackson County campus, said providing tools for students removes a large barrier to job attainment.

He said the grant has an immediate and lifelong impact on MGCCC’s students.