December 30, 2024
HANCOCK COUNTY, MISS –Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission (HCPHC) is pleased to announce a $10,000 sponsorship to Hancock High School’s Career Technical Center’s Precision Machining class. This funding will be used to match the EquipMS Grant, awarded through Accelerate MS, for the purchase of a new lathe for the program.
Building a Strong Workforce Pipeline
HCPHC’s sponsorship is part of an ongoing commitment to fostering workforce development in Hancock County. By investing in education and training programs, HCPHC aims to equip local students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in high-demand industries in Hancock County.
A Partnership for Success
The partnership between HCPHC and Hancock High School’s Career Technical Center is a prime example of this commitment. In addition to the lathe sponsorship, HCPHC has also provided a $3,000 sponsorship to the school’s robotics team, which was established in partnership with HCPHC.
"As the new Director of the HCCTC, I am thrilled to announce we have received a matching fund of $10,000 from the Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission for the Equip MS Grant from Accelerate MS to purchase a new lathe for our Precision Machining program. This is a significant investment in our students’ futures, as equipment for this program is both costly and has not been updated in several years. With this new machine and the expertise of our new instructor, Mr. Chris Ladner, we are poised to enhance industry-relevant learning and improve the employability of our students in the workforce. I extend my deepest gratitude to the deciding members of the Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission and to CEO Blaine LaFontaine for their generous support and commitment to the growth of our program."
– Vanesa Martinez, Director of the Hancock County Career Technical Center
Preparing Students for the Future
The new lathe will provide students from Hancock High School, Bay High School, and Pass Christian High School who participate in the Hancock County Career and Technical Center's Precision Machining program with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment, preparing them for successful careers in the manufacturing industry. By investing in these programs, HCPHC is helping to ensure that Hancock County has a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of local businesses and industries.
About Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission
As the county economic development authority, the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission is committed to fostering business investment and job creation. Their focus lies in attracting manufacturing, defense, aviation, and aerospace-related projects to the county. The organization manages the Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park, while also providing support to the Stennis Space Center, NASA’s leading facility for rocket engine testing.