South Georgia Tech Precision Machining and Manufacturing students receive Gene Haas Scholarships
Seven South Georgia Technical College Precision Machining and Manufacturing students were recognized with Gene Haas Foundation Scholarships for their outstanding academic efforts and work ethics. Jake Pittman, SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing Instructor recommended them for the scholarships.
The seven students selected include: Blake Archer of Palm Harbor, FL; Alec Hobbs of Mauk, GA; Jordan Hayes of Albany, Jayden Hutto, Omarion Griggs, and Cordelius Jackson of Georgetown, and Jonathan Daniel of Austell.
SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing students Omarion Griggs (left) and Jayden Hutto (right) are shown above with their scholarship certificates. Cordelius Jackson and Jonathan Daniel are not shown.
Archer competed in the SkillsUSA Georgia competition in 2023 and won the SkillsUSA Gold Medal. That first-place finish allowed him to advance to the SkillsUSA National Competition where he finished in the top 10 in the nation. He hopes to compete again this year. Several other students plan to participate as well.
The scholarship winners were allowed to utilize their scholarships for tuition, fees, tools, and housing to help with their educational journey at South Georgia Technical College.
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.”
All seven students expressed their appreciation to the Gene Haas Foundation for their support of the program and for their scholarship opportunities. They are also excited about the career opportunities this program will help provide.
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.
South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for Spring semester. Classes begin January 9. Registration will be held January 7. 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 Jake Pittman at 229-931-2573 or jake.pittman@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.