Chicago – To spur the development of next-generation advanced manufacturing professionals, the Gene Haas Foundation announced $50,000 in scholarships to be awarded to high school seniors seeking a post-secondary degree in machining and advanced manufacturing technology.
The announcement took place during a special program for Chicago-area school superintendents at the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014. The Superintendent’s Program was designed to inform school administrators about best practices in STEM education, career pathways in manufacturing, and industry-supported credentials for pursuing them, the importance of having a 3D printer in every school in the U.S., and the availability of industry-based scholarships like those announced at the event.
The Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship is designated for a student pursuing a degree in a post-secondary machining, manufacturing technology or engineering program whose curriculum includes CNC machine technology training. A $1,000 grant per school will be awarded. Seniors graduating from high school this school year will be eligible.
Kathy Looman, administrator of The Gene Haas Foundation said: “Gene Haas, the founder of Haas Automation, believes that manufacturing is the foundation of a strong economy, and that it is crucial to our country that more young people have the opportunity to pursue a career in manufacturing."
“The scholarships that the Gene Haas Foundation has awarded both today and in recent years are a sign of the foundation's commitment to young people and the future of U.S. manufacturing," said Greg Jones, vice president, Smartforce development at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. "We are honored that the Gene Haas Foundation chose the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2014 to deliver this announcement.”
An industry-supported event, this year's Smartforce Student Summit hosted nearly 12,000 students, scout troops, teachers, administrators, and parents attending from more than 600 schools, representing 32 states.
Source: AMT