Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has announced the fall 2026 recipients of the Roper Corporation Scholarship are Michael Doane and Andres “Chuey” Hernandez.
Doane lives in Chickamauga and is a student in the Supply Chain Management and Logistics program at GNTC’s Catoosa County Campus. Hernandez resides in Summerville and studies Automation Technology at the Catoosa County Campus.
“We are so thankful for the ongoing investment from Roper Corporation,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC. “It demonstrates Roper’s commitment to both its employees and the workforce in northwest Georgia. We congratulate these Roper employees and are proud they chose Georgia Northwestern Technical College.”
The Roper Corporation Scholarship, established in 2024, provides financial assistance to GNTC students employed by Roper Corporation. Roper is a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Appliances, a Haier company. The Roper plant in LaFayette manufactures freestanding ranges, wall ovens, electric and gas cooktops and is one of northwest Georgia’s largest employers with more than 2,500 employees.
“Manufacturing continues to evolve, and the demand for skilled talent has never been greater,” said Luther Ingram, president and executive director of Roper Corporation and a member of the GNTC Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “One of the most meaningful investments we can make is in students who are committed to developing the technical skills needed for the careers of tomorrow. Through the Roper Scholarship, we are helping create opportunities for these future professionals while supporting the long-term strength of our industry and community.”
Students can be enrolled in any credit program and must be employed by Roper during the application and award semesters to be eligible for the scholarship. Funds from the scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, supplies, tools or other educational materials.
“Roper’s partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College reflects a shared commitment to building a strong, future-ready manufacturing workforce,” said Ben Canedo, Roper’s Human Resources senior business partner and a member of GNTC’s Board of Directors. “Together, we collaborate on tailored training programs, hands-on learning experiences and industry-recognized certifications that equip students with the practical skills needed in today’s advanced manufacturing environment. By combining GNTC’s educational expertise with Roper’s real-world industry insight, the partnership ensures students are prepared to meet evolving technical demands.”
About GE Appliances
At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make good things, for life. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, we are a leading U.S. manufacturer of home appliances with 15,500 team members nationwide. GE Appliances, found in half of all U.S. homes, is proud to be rated America’s #1 Appliance Company, trusted by millions of families nationwide. We manufacture and sell products under the Monogram™, Café™, GE Profile™, GE®, Haier™ and Hotpoint™ brands. Our operations support nearly 90,000 additional American jobs and represent an investment of more than $2 billion since 2016. We are deeply committed to the communities where we live and work, passionate about getting closer to our product users to understand their needs and driven by the belief that there’s always a better way.
About GNTC
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs.
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