Mario Garcia of Argentina came to South Georgia Technical College to learn how to utilize his hands and his mind to make a better life for himself and for others. He is the latest recipient of the Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship for his outstanding academic effort and work ethic. Ted Eschmann, SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing Instructor recommended Garcia for the scholarship.
SGTC President Dr. John Watford and SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird made the presentation to Garcia recently in the Precision Machining and Manufacturing class.
Garcia who is attending SGTC on a student visa has already earned his Aviation Maintenance and Avionics certificates and is now enrolled in the Precision Machining and Manufacturing program. He will graduate from this program in December. He plans to use the scholarship funds to help with his tuition expenses.
“I am so grateful to the Gene Haas Foundation and to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation for this opportunity,” said Garcia. “I have really enjoyed it here at South Georgia Technical College. I have learned a lot from all of my instructors and from the other students.”
The Gene Haas Foundation donates funds to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation to support Precision Machining and Manufacturing scholarships and student competition teams highlighting the CNC/Manufacturing programs such as SkillsUSA and SAE teams.
Haas Automation, Inc., which manufactures economical and reliable machine tools, is known as America’s Machine Tool Builder. Gene Haas founded Haas Automation, Inc. in 1983 and this company is currently the largest machine tool builder in the western world.
Haas’ commitment to US manufacturing led to the development of his foundation that focuses on granting funds to help expand Machining and CNC Technology programs. The billion-dollar company is working to help eliminate the skills gap in U.S. Manufacturing by providing scholarships for CNC machinist training.
“South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical Foundation are very appreciative of the support the Gene Haas Foundation provides for our students and for the workforce,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “These grant funds enhance our current Precision Machining and Manufacturing program in many ways. One of the most important is providing scholarships for those students who are interested in this career but need financial support. It also provides additional resources for sponsorship of our manufacturing students to compete at events such as SkillsUSA.”
The Precision Machining and Manufacturing Program at South Georgia Tech develops academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills that emphasizes a combination of machine tool theory and practical application. Students learn print reading, lathe operations, mill operation, CNC Fundamentals and more. It is a four-term program. Students normally receive job offers before completing the program.
South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for Fall semester. Classes beginAugust 17. Registration will be held August 13. To apply, visit www.southgatech.edu and click on Apply Now.
For more information about the South Georgia Technical College Precision Machining and Manufacturing Program contact Instructor Ted Eschmann at 229-931-2597 or teschmann@southgatech.edu.
For more information about donating to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu.