New Scholarship for SME Education Foundation

June 20, 2008 -- Students pursuing careers in machining technology and manufacturing technology will have two new scholarships available through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation, thanks to funding from the Gene Haas Foundation. The Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship and Manufacturing Technology Scholarship will be awarded to qualifying students starting this summer. The Gene Haas Foundation made the scholarships possible through a $160,000 grant to the SME Education Foundation.

 High school seniors, graduates or GED recipients will be eligible for the one-year Machining Technology Scholarship, which will range from $1,000 to $5,000 for each awarded scholarship. Through its partnership with Project Lead the Way -- a nonprofit program that offers science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum in middle and high schools -- the SME Education Foundation will have the opportunity to draw from a national network of students participating in programs at more than 3,000 schools. This scholarship is specifically designated for students interested in coursework focused on machine operation and maintenance.

“These scholarships complement the important work we are doing through the Haas Technical Education Center. The centers leverage the technologies and capabilities of Haas Automation and partner with industry, schools and professional societies to ensure qualified learning institutes receive support and are able to provide the highest-quality manufacturing education possible," said Peter Zierhut, director of public relations, Haas Automation, Inc. As of 2007, the HTEC network included 636 schools, colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada.

The one-year Manufacturing Technology Scholarship, which also will range from $1,000 to $5,000 per scholarship, will be offered to high school seniors or undergraduates interested in manufacturing technology or manufacturing engineering careers.

The application and more information about the Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship can be found online at http://www.sme.org/foundation.