BRIDGEPORT -- Housatonic Community College has received a $100,000 donation from the Klein Family Foundation for manufacturing and engineering students. The donation can be used to fund full- and part- time scholarships for both new and current students and to build the college’s manufacturing endowment. “We’re delighted to receive this donation,” said HCC President Anita T. Gliniecki. “It will prove invaluable to both our engineering students and those enrolling in our new Advanced Manufacturing Program.” The gift will be spread over the next five years. The donation comes as HCC’s new Advanced Manufacturing Program begins its second year. The program prepares students for advanced manufacturing positions that include machine operator, CNC (Computer Numeric Control) operator, CNC programmer, assembler, and Quality Control inspector that can pay in the $15-$20 per-hour range. Jobs will be awaiting them when they graduate. The yearlong program, which requires a 35-hour-per-week commitment from students, will lead to two certificates, a basic manufacturing certificate and an advanced manufacturing certificate. Both certificate tracks are financial-aid eligible. The 16-credit basic manufacturing certificate courses is offered during the Fall semester while the 18-credit advanced manufacturing courses is offered in the Spring. In addition, the donation can be used to fund scholarships for students in HCC’s engineering programs, which prepare students to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in that field at four-year schools. Scholarship applications for the fall semester are being accepted now. The Klein Family Foundation was established by Carla Klein, widow of former Peoples United Bank President and CEO John A. Klein. For more information about Housatonic Community College’s scholarship program, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (203) 332-5293.
