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WKCTC Computerized Manufacturing and Machining Program Awarded $10,000 Grant for Student Scholarships by Gene Haas Foundation

Check Presentation Held at WKCTC October 19

Paducah, KY (10/19/2018) — The West Kentucky Community and Technical College Computerized Manufacturing and Machining (CNC) program has been awarded $10,000 through a scholarship grant for its students. The grant was provided by the Gene Haas Foundation, which provides scholarships for CNC machinist training to high schools, community colleges and trade schools. Company representatives were on campus today to present the ceremonial check for the program.

"I am pleased that the WKCTC Computerized Manufacturing and Machining program was awarded this generous scholarship grant from the Gene Haas Foundation. I look forward to giving out several scholarships to deserving students," said Sam Arnone, WKCTC CNC program coordinator. "The local high school area technical centers do a great job in preparing student to advance in the machine trade field. This scholarship will allow for them to continue in their pursuit of a secondary education."

After completing the application process, the college's CNC program received the funding based on the technology used to train students, the number of students in the program each year and the outreach the college does with other programs.

Toni Neary, director of education Haas Tower - Morris Group, Inc. said the grant funds are a great way the company can give back to programs that are working to dispel the myths of careers in manufacturing, grow awareness of the prosperous careers available and to upskill the workforce in their region.

The Gene Haas Foundation strives to introduce students to careers in machine technology and manufacturing, build the skills in the machining industry, and to help military veterans enroll in programs that train them to become skilled machinists. Therefore the foundation funds can be used to support student scholarships, NIMS Credentialing and competitive spirit such as SkillsUSA and robotic competitions.

"The CNC Machining Program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College is one of the oldest and most successful machining programs in the state, said Phil Haming, Haas Factory Outlet Midwest representative, as he addressed the crowd during the check presentation. "With over 200 HAAS CNC machine tools installed in Kentucky west of LBL, companies in this area are begging for HAAS machinists and are paying top dollar to get them. In my opinion, this is the most important program at the college in growing the manufacturing base in this region."

Media Attachments

Check presentation from the Gene Haas Foundation to WKCTC CNC program October 19 in college’s Emerging Technology Center high bay. (Left to Right): Sam Arnone, WKCTC Computerized Manufacturing and Machining program coordinator; Dr. Anton Reece, WKCTC president; Phil Haming, Haas Factory Outlet Midwest representative

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