Tennessee College of Applied Technology has received a $12,500 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation.
“This is my third grant for a total of $40,000 in three years,” said TCAT instructor Randy England. “This is a student grant to help with tuition, supplies, and any need a student might have. My students will be getting some good tools. Plus, I’ll have enough to help any student starting this summer and fall.”
The grant is to support scholarships. These scholarships are to be given to students currently enrolled in, or will be enrolling in, a machining-based training program at the college level.
England, instructor of the college’s Machine Tool Technology program, prepares students for jobs as machinists, machine setup operators, and CNC operators. The course is designed to give the student experience on a variety of machine tools similar to those on which he/ she will work after graduation, including computerized numerical controlled machines. Instruction is given in related blueprint reading, mathematics, precision measuring, and basic metallurgy.
In 1999, Gene Haas founded the Gene Haas Foundation. Growing up with a strong social conscience instilled by his family, Haas initially formed the foundation to fund the needs of the local community and other deserving charities.
Haas is the owner of Haas Automation Inc., America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools, which he started in 1983. His commitment to the importance of U.S. manufacturing incited him to grow his personal foundation and direct its foundation board to focus on manufacturing education and grants for scholarships for students entering CNC machinist training.
The first two grants from the foundation were for $10,000 and $17,500.
“I only have Haas CNC machines in my shop built in California,” said England. “They are American made.”
The check presentation was made at TCAT.