Minden, Louisiana – April 28, 2022 – Northwest LA Technical Community College recently awarded $3500 in scholarships from the Gene Haas Foundation for the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program. The Gene Haas Foundation’s primary goal is to build skills in the machine industry by providing scholarships for CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine technology students.
NLTCC’s relationship with the foundation began almost 12 years ago when the college purchased its first Haas CNC machine. Over the years, the Haas Foundation has gifted NLTCC with over $25,000 to provide scholarships for deserving students in this trade. The company, founded by Gene Hass in 1983 and located in Oxnard, California, is America’s largest CNC machine tool builder and one of the largest builders in the world with 170 Haas Factory Outlets in more than 60 countries. (Source: haascnc.com)
“When we needed to upgrade the college’s equipment to give our students a hands-on learning environment, we decided to go with Haas CNC machines because they are affordable and are used by most of our local manufacturers,” said Jerry Watkins, NLTCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology instructor. “Haas is a believer in education and makes it their mission to continue giving back to future machinists. This scholarship money will go a long way in helping our students pay for tuition, books, and tools. We are so thankful to receive these awards.”
Four Gene Haas Foundation scholarships were awarded on April 28th to Advanced Manufacturing Technology students, Ryan Scott, Cole McNabb, Alec Paschal, and Harleigh Callens. The scholarships can be used for tuition, books, and small personal tools students are required to purchase for the program.
Haas created his foundation in 1999 because of a strong social conscience instilled in him by his family. The foundation awards grants and scholarships for CNC machinist training to high schools, community colleges and trade schools in the United States and Canada.

Front Row L to R – Recipients Ryan Scott and Cole McNabb
Not pictured: Harleigh Callens