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CHARLOTTE—Central Piedmont Community College uses a hands-on approach to teach Middle Schoolers about STEM education.

Thanks to a $15,000 grant from Time Warner cable, 450 students will participate in CPCC's "If I Had a Hammer" program. The program teaches at-risk students about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math.

Hundreds of students at Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools wait months for the lesson that no conventional textbook approach can match. Under the supervision of a "hammer boss" a group of 11 to 14 year-old's work together to construct an 8 ft. by 11 ft. "hammer house", complete with windows, a door, and a front porch.

“When you can put your hands on something and put the two angles together or even use one of the power tools here, it just clicks,” said Jimmy Chancey, director of greater technical education, CMS.

Over the years Central Piedmont Community College's "If I Had a Hammer Program" has found success in teaching students the importance of math skills in regards to succeeding in professions like construction.

A lack of funding previously forced the college to do away with the program. But it was renewed this year, thanks to the grant from Time Warner Cable.

“It is just such a great thing to get children excited about their education to get excited about math and technology,” said Mike Smith area VP Charlotte Division TWC

Time Warner Cable is the parent company of News 14 Carolina.