Funds will support students in manufacturing programs
This fall the Gene Haas Foundation donated $30,000 to be used by students in the Precision Manufacturing, Mechanical Design Technology, and Mechanical Engineering programs at Nashua Community College.
Professor Mark Dodge said the company has been a supporter of the college for years, with the latest donation representing a huge opportunity for students. “This will have a wonderful impact, a lot of our students are non-traditional and may or may not be working, or supported by their employees in their education. The fund will enable people to come in who otherwise may not.”
The Gene Haas Foundation’s primary goal is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC machine technology students and certifications. “Nashua Community College has been vital to the growth and development of the manufacturing pipeline for many years,” said Toni Neary – Director of Education, Morris Group – Haas Division. “A beautiful state of the art facility, consistent enrollment, engaged and well-trained staff are just some of the factors that make Nashua Community College’s CNC programs a program of excellence throughout New England. We are so pleased with the generous grant award from the Gene Haas Foundation this year to support even more students pursuing CNC pathways.”
Certifications Scholarships can be used for tuition, books, and small personal tools the tools students are required by program to purchase. Scholarship amounts can range from $500 to $2,500 per student.
“This will help mechanical design and engineering students further their education,” said Professor Doug Howe, head of Mechanical Design Technology at NCC. “There is currently a lot of interest in this area, and the donation from the Haas Foundation will go a long way in helping students reach their goals.”
The majority of manufacturing students are nontraditional, which means they are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Many took time between high school and college, and others are attending part-time while maintaining a full schedule at work.
Professor Dodge said while they see fewer recent high school graduates, the door is open for them as well, and significant opportunity awaits. “I hope the scholarship fund encourages more people from traditional avenues at the high school to consider this pathway.”
With many opportunities in the local area, the majority of graduates find work close to home, he said, “Lots of opportunity exists within a 40 to 50-mile radius here, it’s a big area for manufacturing.”
About the Gene Haas Foundation
The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community, through grants to such local charities as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Food Share, Rescue Mission, and others. Seeing a growing need for skilled employees in the manufacturing industry wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide. The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2020, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $20 million in grants, bringing the total since inception to more than to $120 million.
About Nashua Community College
Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of the Greater Nashua area through providing a high quality two-year, post-secondary education. The college partners closely with area industries that provide students with a unique perspective in their fields of study, allowing for a real-world experience to further their academic journey. Students can choose from a variety of associate degree and certificate programs, as well as career training courses. Nashua Community College is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. Learn more at nashuacc.edu.
