Two promising Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students have been recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to the manufacturing industry, receiving the highly coveted Gene Haas Scholarship. The scholarship provides essential financial support for students pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate in the Precision Machining and Manufacturing program.

Jesse Nicholson, a Calhoun resident, and Mayahuel Yaoapoqa, a Menlo resident, are this year’s deserving recipients. Both students are currently enrolled in the Precision Machining and Manufacturing program at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus.

Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC, emphasized the significant impact of the foundation’s support. “The support of the Gene Haas Foundation enables our Precision Machining and Manufacturing students to stay the course, graduate and enter the workforce,” Hannon stated. “We are incredibly grateful for this dynamic partnership with the Gene Haas Foundation.”

The Gene Haas Scholarship is a cornerstone of the Gene Haas Foundation’s mission to cultivate the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals. Kathy Looman, executive director of Education Grants, Scholarships and Sponsorships for the Gene Haas Foundation, elaborated on their objective.

“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,” explained Looman. She added, “These careers are rewarding with good pay and opportunities to grow with a company or to become an entrepreneur.”

The foundation is personally funded by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, who is deeply committed to supporting the future of manufacturing. Looman noted that Haas believes manufacturing forms the bedrock of a strong economy, making investments in education and training vital.

The Gene Haas Scholarship is available to eligible Precision Machining and Manufacturing program students and those in related fields at both GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome and the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.

About Georgia Northwestern Technical College: Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) provides quality workforce education to the citizens of Northwest Georgia. The college offers more than 200 associate degree, diploma, and certificate options in career-technical programs. GNTC serves nine counties within its service delivery area: Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield. GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

About the Gene Haas Foundation: The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, owner of Haas Automation, Inc. The foundation’s primary goal is to provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in manufacturing, particularly in CNC machining technologies. It also provides grants for NIMS certifications, grants for manufacturing training programs, and partnerships with FRC and SkillsUSA competitions.