Wednesday, November 1, 2023–10:10 a.m.
-News Release-
Two 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.
Jeshua Freeman, Floyd County Campus, and Jason Ward, Whitfield Murray Campus, have received the Gene Haas Scholarship for the fall 2023 semester.
The Gene Haas Foundation recently awarded $25,000 to GNTC 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.
“We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of the Gene Haas Foundation,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC. “These funds will enable students in our Precision Machining and Manufacturing program to stay the course and be well-prepared to enter the workforce. We are so thankful for our partnership with 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.
“A recent survey polling students taking their SATs found that 53% of high school seniors don’t believe that they will have an opportunity to have a good job,” Looman said. “The manufacturing industry has thousands of great jobs just waiting to be filled.”
GNTC awards Gene Haas Scholarships for $1,000 each fall, spring, and summer semester.
