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.
Jesse Nicholson, a Calhoun resident, and Mayahuel Yaoapoqa, a Menlo resident, have been awarded the scholarship; both study Precision Machining and Manufacturing at the Floyd County Campus. The scholarship is available for Precision Machining and Manufacturing program and related fields on the Floyd County Campus in Rome and the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.
“The support of the Gene Haas Foundation enables our Precision Machining and Manufacturing students to stay the course, graduate and enter the workforce,” said Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC. “We are incredibly grateful for this dynamic partnership with the Gene Haas Foundation.”
Bart Jenkins, program director and instructor of Precision Machining and Manufacturing at GNTC (right) poses with Gene Haas Scholarship recipients Jesse Nicholson (left) and Mayahuel Yaoapoqa in the Precision Machining and Manufacturing lab on GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome.
“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, executive director of Education Grants, Scholarships and Sponsorships for the Gene Haas Foundation. “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. Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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