Wichita, KS — The WSU Tech Foundation has announced a $1 million gift from the Gene Haas Foundation. Funds will be used to expand the college’s efforts in reaching underrepresented and K-12 populations to cultivate knowledge and awareness of careers in machining and manufacturing through the addition of an Outreach Coordinator and a Metrology/Advanced Machining Faculty. In recognition of this gift, WSU Tech’s newly renovated CNC machining lab will be named the Gene Haas Innovation Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that will further enhance the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge CNC machining education and training.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous gift from the Gene Haas Foundation, which stands as a testament to WSU Tech’s commitment to delivering the highest caliber of technical education,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “The Gene Haas Innovation Lab will be a transformative addition to our campus, empowering our students with the latest technologies and industry-relevant skills they need to excel in the field of CNC machining. We are deeply honored to partner with the Gene Haas Foundation in this endeavor.”
The Gene Haas Innovation Lab will provide WSU Tech students with access to state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment and resources, creating an environment that mirrors modern manufacturing facilities. This investment will not only benefit WSU Tech students but also contribute to the development of a highly skilled and competitive workforce for the manufacturing sector.
In conjunction with this remarkable gift, WSU Tech is pleased to announce the launch of the Gene Haas Machining Scholarship for the Spring 2024 semester. This scholarship, backed by the Gene Haas Foundation, is designed to empower aspiring machinists and provide them with the financial support and invaluable opportunities needed to excel in the world of machining.
The scholarship will cover tuition and fees for one semester for both new and current students looking to pursue a technical certificate in CNC Operator or Machining Technology. Classes will begin in January and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested should apply at www.wsutech.edu/genehaasmachiningscholarship.
“At the Gene Haas Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting institutions that demonstrate excellence in CNC machinist training,” said Kathy Looman, Director of Education, Haas Technical Education Conferences & Gene Haas Naming Grants. “WSU Tech has consistently shown a commitment to innovation and producing highly skilled CNC machinists. We are excited to make this award and to establish the Gene Haas Innovation Lab, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on students and the manufacturing industry.”
The investment from the Gene Haas Foundation underscores WSU Tech’s dedication aligning its programs with the evolving needs of the industry. The manufacturing industry continually demands skilled workers, and WSU Tech is steadfast in its commitment to meeting this demand head-on by training over 250 students in CNC machining annually.
The Gene Haas Innovation Lab is located at WSU Tech’s National Center for Aviation Training. It spans an impressive 6,500 square feet, housing two classrooms and a wide array of advanced equipment, making it the epicenter of manufacturing training at WSU Tech. An unveiling of the renovated lab will take place in spring 2024.
About WSU Tech and WSU Tech Foundation
WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS, and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution.
The WSU Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to help change the lives of WSU Tech students through scholarships and emergency loans thanks to generous private gifts, community contributions and employee support. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu/FOUNDATION.
About the Gene Haas Foundation
The Gene Haas Foundation is committed to providing support and funding to institutions and initiatives that advance CNC machinist training. Founded by Gene Haas, the founder of Haas Automation, Inc., one of the world’s leading CNC machine tool builders, the foundation aims to create a skilled and competitive workforce in the manufacturing industry through education and training.
