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Highland receives grant to offer CNC scholarships

The Industrial Manufacturing program at Highland Community College has received a $15,000 Gene Haas Foundation grant to support students enrolled in Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) classes.

Scholarships will be available for $500 to $2,000, depending on the course the student signs up to study. The student must be enrolled in the CNC program or one of the following classes to qualify:

Classes are:

ā€¢          CNC Machining

ā€¢          CNC Mill

ā€¢          CNC Lathe

ā€¢          Advanced CNC Machining

Founded in 1999 by the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., the Gene Haas Foundation promotes the pursuit of career and technical education ā€” which results in advancing studentsā€™ education and a globally competitive workforce.

“Highland’s CNC program has grown in recent years, and area employers continue to seek qualified CNC machinists,ā€ said Industrial Manufacturing Instructor Aaron Sargent. ā€œWe have two certificates and a two-year A.A.S. Degree emphasizing CNC machining.ā€

Highland students pursuing manufacturing will benefit from refurbished and expanded labs for both CNC and welding. Additionally, the collegeā€™s portion of a federal Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant awarded this spring will infuse more than $1 million into trades-focused programs.

CNC technology guides the cutting tool on machines such as lathes, mills, grinders, waterjets and laser cutters. In general, machinists produce precision parts from a wide variety of materials utilizing these machine tools. Those with the right skills are ready for immediate, in-demand employment. 

Instructors are fluent in CNC machine setup and processes, as well as computer-assisted design (CAD). Skills in combination with entry-level knowledge of welding, electronics and automation will prepare students with knowledge for employment in manufacturing facilities utilizing CNC machining or CAD-related work.

For more information on the scholarship, visit highland.edu/scholarships or email Aaron Sargent at aaron.sargent@highland.edu. To learn more about Highland or schedule a tour, visit highland.edu.

Caption: Industrial Manufacturing Instructor Aaron Sargent displays a $15,000 check from the Gene Haas Foundation in Highland Community Collegeā€™s newly expanded CNC lab.