HUTCHINSON, MN – Ridgewater College’s Machine Tool Technology program is the fortunate recipient of $15,000 scholarship grant to support future program students.
Tammy Jablonski, one of Ridgewater’s Machine Tool Technology instructors says “With today’s high demand for skilled CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists, it’s always wonderful to have dollars awarded to us that we can use to recruit and retain new talent.”
“The scholarship donation comes from the Gene Haas Foundation in support of technical education scholarships in machining,” explained Ridgewater alumni Al Wessels from Productivity, Inc. Gene Haas also owns Haas Automation, a California-based builder of CNC machine tools worldwide which is represented locally by Productivity Inc., through its Haas Factory Outlet. “Mr. Haas is dedicated to helping students across the United States get an excellent education and practical training and avoid student debt.” As a Ridgewater Machine Tool alumni, Wessels said he was pleased to present the award personally. The $15,000 will be awarded through scholarships to students entering the program for the 2016-17 school year.
“Thanks first to the Gene Haas Foundation and second to faculty member Tammy Jablonski for pursuing the grant in an effort to better serve students,” said Ridgewater College President Dr. Douglas Allen. “This is another support for students interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing.”