Haas Donation Boosts Scholarships at CVTC

$25,000 available for Machine Tool program students

Eau Claire, WI – A $25,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation will make scholarships available for Machine Tooling Technics students at Chippewa Valley Technical College.

Gene Haas is the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., which manufactures the computer numerical control (CNC) machines used in the CVTC Machine Tool lab and in machine shops throughout the area. Representatives of Productivity, Inc., the distributor of Haas equipment in this area, presented a check for the donation to the CVTC Foundation, Inc. on Wednesday, Oct. 24 during the Fall Career Fair.

“The purpose of the grant program is to get more skilled machinists out there, and to fill the skills gap,” said Hope Riska, the education and events administrator for Productivity, Inc. “The shortage of machinists is nationwide, and we’re looking to encourage more people to enroll in training programs.”

Dave Thompson, CVTC Machine Tooling Technics program director, said full-time students are eligible for the scholarships after their first or second semesters. “We have two criteria for the scholarships. It’s based off attendance and grade point average,” he said. “Students can be awarded up to $1,000.”

Students apply for the scholarships through the CVTC Foundation.

With over 90 programs and both online and on-campus classes, Chippewa Valley Technical College delivers superior, progressive technical education which improves the lives of students, meets the workforce needs of the region, and strengthens the community. CVTC programs are designed with input of business and industry to prepare graduates for today’s jobs, with 93 percent employed within six months of graduation and associate degree graduates earning an average annual salary of $44,000.

Cutline:

Present for the presentation of the giant check representing funds for CVTC student scholarships are, from left, Bruce Barker, CVTC president; Scott Peterson, Hope Riska and Curt Sullivan from Productivity, Inc.; and Dave Thompson, CVTC Machine Tooling Technics program director.

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CVTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in employment, admissions, programs, or activities. General inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies may be directed to: Director of Human Resources, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715-852-1377 WI Relay: 711

Contact:               Mark Gunderman, Communications Specialist

                                Chippewa Valley Technical College

                                Desk: 715-831-7288

                  Cell: 715-210-4714

                                mgunderman1@cvtc.edu