Drake State Community and Technical College is enhancing its 15-year partnership with NASA’s High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program through significant upgrades to its advanced manufacturing lab. The ongoing collaboration provides students with hands-on experience working on actual aerospace components and opportunities to engage directly with NASA engineers and mentors.

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.

“This is not just an equipment upgrade; it’s a transformative leap,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. “Through this partnership with NASA HUNCH, our students will gain hands-on experience using full-scale aerospace components and prepare for real-world careers in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.”

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.”