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June 18, 2008

SME Education Foundation to Offer Two New Scholarships

Students interested in pursuing careers in machining technology and manufacturing technology will have two new scholarships available through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation, thanks to funding from the Gene Haas Foundation.  Calhoun Community College offers degree and certificates in Machine Tool Technology at the college’s Decatur campus.

The Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship and Manufacturing Technology Scholarship will be awarded to qualifying students starting this summer. The Gene Haas Foundation made the scholarships possible through a $160,000 grant to the SME Education Foundation.

High school seniors, graduates or GED recipients will be eligible for the one-year Machining Technology Scholarship, which will range from $1,000 to $5,000 for each awarded scholarship. Through its partnership with Project Lead the Way – a nonprofit program that offers science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum in middle and high schools – the SME Education Foundation will have the opportunity to draw from a national network of students participating in programs at more than 3,000 schools. This scholarship is specifically designated for students interested in coursework focused on machine operation and maintenance.

“Our partnership with the SME Education Foundation and our funding of these scholarships illustrate our commitment to strengthening America’s future workforce,” said Peter Zierhut, director of public relations, Haas Automation, Inc. “These scholarships complement the important work we are doing through the Haas Technical Education Center.”  The centers leverage the technologies and capabilities of Haas Automation and partner with industry, schools and professional societies to ensure qualified learning institutes receive support and are able to provide the highest-quality manufacturing education possible. As of 2007, the HTEC network included 636 schools, colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

“Organizations like the Gene Haas Foundation understand the importance of keeping the pipeline full of skilled workers, not just for the benefit of Haas Automation, but also for our country’s need to stay competitive worldwide,” said Bart Aslin, director of the SME Education Foundation. “These scholarships open the door for capable students who otherwise may not have the opportunity to pursue a higher education.”

The application and more information about the Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship can be found online at http://www.sme.org/foundation.

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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