Manufacturing touted at GCC

Glendale Community College received a $100,000 check on Wednesday from the Gene Haas Foundation to put toward scholarships for students enrolled in the college’s engineering design manufacturing program.

At the same time, students with autism in the college’s special program for them received a visit from someone who may inspire them to pursue a career that’s meaningful to them.

The college is well known in the region for preparing students to ultimately earn high wages working in machine shops.

The students who were in the shop when the check was presented are part of the Uniquely Abled Academy and were training to become computer numerical-control machine operators or programmers as part of a 10-week pilot program that aims to put autistic students on the path toward high-wage jobs.

They also received a visitor — Titan Gilroy, a boxer turned machinist who runs a manufacturing facility called Titan America MFG in Northern California.

He also highlights manufacturing companies as part of his television show, “Titan American Built,” which will premiere its third season as part of MAVTV.

Gilroy, who has a son with Asperger’s syndrome, told the students in the academy of the joy he’s found in creating parts for use in the aerospace industry, among industries.

“The more you dive in and you hold something in your hand that you created, that’s the beautiful part of this industry.” he said. “Don’t just make parts. Enjoy creating something.”

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Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan