The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded Meridian Technology Center a $20,000 scholarship for students enrolled in the school’s evening Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining Operations and Programming short courses.

Gene Haas is the owner of Haas Automation, a builder of CNC machine tools. In 1999 Haas started the foundation after recognizing the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. Since then, the foundation has provided scholarships for CNC machine technology students across the U.S. and Canada, as well as scholarships for credentials through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

“Traditional forms of financial aid aren’t an option for students taking short courses like our evening CNC courses. The Haas Foundation scholarship is unique in that it is specifically designed for adult students in these types of courses,” explained Titus Lester, Coordinator of Meridian’s Adult Training and Development. “Receiving this scholarship provides a way for Meridian to reduce the financial burden for students interested in a career in product development and machining.”

This is the fourth time that Meridian has received the scholarship. Last year, funds allowed five students to complete the evening CNC Programming with little-to-no out-of-pocket expenses.

Meridian offers short courses in CNC Operations; CNC Programming; Machining Print Reading and Gauging; and Benchwork, Layout and Manual Machine. Short courses meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights. New classes start monthly. Course length will vary. Visit meridiantech.edu/catalog for complete descriptions and dates.

Adult students in evening short courses that are CNC-related can apply for the Gene Haas Foundation scholarship. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, setting up the student’s personal NIMS account, NIMS certifications and tools required for the course. For information regarding the Gene Haas machining scholarship, contact Titus Lester at titusl@meridiantech.edu or (405) 377-3333.