CONROE (October 15, 2019) – Lone Star College-Conroe Center was awarded a $10,000 scholarship grant from the Gene Haas Foundation for students in the Machine Technology program on Wednesday, October 2. The Post-Secondary School Grant is designed to support students pursuing a career in Machining. Dean Mary Mendoza for the Conroe Center was thrilled when she received the news early Wednesday morning.
"Program Director Robb Radakovich and I are very grateful to the Gene Haas Foundation for their support and commitment," said Mendoza. "They are helping us build the next generation of skilled Machinists to serve in the manufacturing and energy industries. Being able to offer scholarship funding from a business leader underlines to students the importance of machinists in the industry."
The Gene Haas Foundation concentrates on building skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC machine technology students. The Foundation was founded in 1999 by Gene Haas, owner of Haas Automation, Inc., the leading building of CNC machine tools in America. Toma Harrison, Business Manager for Haas Factory Outlet, a Division of Champions Machine Tool, expressed why the company eagerly donated to the machining students.
"The Gene Haas Foundation is committed to the workforce and bridging that gap," Harrison said. "We want to help the students complete the program through scholarships, but also for the school to spend what's leftover on equipment and big-ticket items that enhances the program’s quality."
The Associate of Applied Science in Machining Technology is a hidden gem at Lone Star College-Conroe Center. The program trains men and women to create precise mechanical parts and tools for engines and other automated products using power-operated machines. Students learn valuable skills that put them on the path to becoming experts in the manufacturing industries.
"Machining is one of the core components in manufacturing and everything that is in our world today," said Harrison. "Anything that's on the consumer market has a machining or manufacturing component. Anything with a mechanical component is likely machined, which is the core of manufacturing and consumer products."
Lone Star College-Conroe Center is dedicated to the success of students through quality programs, excellent instruction, and building community relationships.
“The Gene Haas Foundation grant provides a valuable opportunity for machining students,” says Dean Mendoza. “We are committed to the continued success for all students at Lone Star College- Conroe Center and the impact these students have on the community."
To learn more about the AAS in Machining Technology and other programs at Lone Star College-Conroe Center, visit lonestar.edu/conroecenter/.
Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 99,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, ten centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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Photo: Gene Haas Foundation Awards Grant to Machining Students
Cutline: Gene Haas Foundation Awards Grant to Machining Students Lone Star College-Conroe Center Dean Mary Mendoza, right, accepted the grant from the Gene Haas Foundation representatives, middle, Wednesday, October 2.