DEARBORN, Mich., June 9, 2008 — Students 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.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 (HTEC).” 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.The one-year Manufacturing Technology Scholarship, which also will range from $1,000 to $5,000 per scholarship, will be offered to high school seniors or undergraduates interested in manufacturing technology or manufacturing engineering careers.
"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.”
About the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation is one of the nation's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing manufacturing education. Its approach is threefold: to inspire youth to pursue careers in manufacturing; to support students studying for a career in an engineering-related field; and prepare these students to participate in a global economy. The Foundation has provided more than $24 million in grants, scholarships and awards. The Education Foundation was created by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 1979 as a means of transforming manufacturing education in North American colleges and universities.
About the Gene Haas Foundation
The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, Founder and President of Haas Automation, Inc. the largest machine tool manufacturer in the United States. One of the primary goals of the Gene Haas Foundation is to provide financial assistance for students interested in manufacturing-based careers. Scholarships programs are available through career centers, technical schools, community colleges and universities.Gene Haas recognizes that the future of manufacturing in the United States is directly dependent on the availability of skilled workers.
That future hinges on recruiting more students and developing quality training programs across the country. Gene Haas Foundation funding goes directly to those training programs to attract prospective students.
About Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way® is a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system.