Three Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students have received the Gene Haas Scholarship, which rewards academic excellence and provides financial support for students working toward a degree, diploma or certificate in the Precision Machining and Manufacturing program.
Angel Cruz, Whitfield Murray Campus; Jeshua Freeman, Floyd County Campus; and Delores “Cissy” Turner, Floyd County Campus, have received the Gene Haas Scholarship for the spring 2024 semester.
Freeman and Turner are both pursuing an associate degree in Precision Machining and Manufacturing. Freeman just won the Silver Medal in CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer at SkillsUSA Georgia. Turner is currently employed in machining as a set-up specialist at Schoen Insulation Services/EIS.
Cruz, also a Precision Machining and Manufacturing student, recently received The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship in recognition of his academic achievement in an industrial program for the spring semester.
The Gene Haas Foundation awarded $25,000 to GNTC last fall to fund student scholarships and to help pay for textbooks or supplies for students who plan to enroll or are currently enrolled in a machining-based program. The grant funds cannot be used to purchase equipment, machines or simulators.
“Support from the Gene Haas Foundation continues to make a significant impact on our Precision Machining and Manufacturing program,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC. “Their ongoing investment is enabling students to complete their education and start fulfilling careers in the field. We are so grateful to the Gene Haas Foundation.”
“The primary mission of the Gene Haas Foundation is to partner with the best schools and training programs to introduce students to career opportunities, then provide scholarships and support to students in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology,” said Kathy Looman, director of Education, Haas Technical Education Conferences and Gene Haas Naming Grants. “These careers are rewarding with good pay and opportunities to grow with a company or to become an entrepreneur.”
Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, personally funds his foundation to support the future of manufacturing because he believes that manufacturing is the foundation of a strong economy, Looman said.
In 2023, the Gene Haas Foundation awarded close to 3,000 grants totaling $21 million to introduce young people to high demand careers in manufacturing.