MENU

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. Dave Chase, a representative from Productivity Inc., visited NDSCS to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation.

This substantial grant follows a $36,000 grant NDSCS received from the Gene Haas Foundation in the fall of 2022, which resulted in scholarships for 11 Precision Machining Technology students.

The purpose of the Gene Haas Foundation is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC Machine Technology students and NIMS Credentials. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $27 million in grants to high school and post-secondary programs in the United States. The Gene Haas Foundation was founded in 1999 by Gene Haas, the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., America’s leading builder of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools.

The Precision Machining Technology program at NDSCS equips students with essential skills in CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. Additional information about the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program can be found online at NDSCS.edu/Machining.

This significant grant from the Gene Haas Foundation represents a major investment in the education and training of future machinists at NDSCS. It is a testament to the foundation's commitment to supporting the development of highly skilled professionals in the machining industry.

For more information about the Gene Haas Foundation, please visit https://ghaasfoundation.org.

Photo Caption: NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students, faculty and administrators were on hand when Dave Chase, Productivity, Inc. Machine Tool Sales Representative, visited the department to present a check for $50,000.

SkillsUSA has announced their selection of NDSCS student Brady Kroll as the official competitor for Plumbing and Heating at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition. Kroll will represent the United States at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition, which will be held September 10-15, 2024 in Lyon, France.

“The 2024 WorldSkills USA team will have an amazing opportunity to represent SkillsUSA and our nation while undergoing incredibly rigorous training in their craft,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “These team members are making a serious commitment to both their skill development and personal growth that will foster their drive, passion and life’s purpose.”

Kroll, an NDSCS student originally from Barnesville, Minn., won a national silver medal in Plumbing when he represented the state of North Dakota at the SkillsUSA Championships in 2022. Kroll told SkillsUSA, “Being chosen for the 2024 WorldSkills USA team means a lot to me because it recognizes the time and effort I have put into my career. It has also reminded me of how far I have come. I’m grateful for the opportunity not just to improve my skills and understanding, but also to thank my mentors and supporters for all they have done to help me get to where I am.”

The 2024 WorldSkills Competition, the 47th annual worldwide event, will showcase dozens of trade skills from construction and building technology, manufacturing and engineering, transportation, and more. Over 1500 competitors from over 65 countries and regions will demonstrate their abilities in 62 skill competitions.

A student-led partnership of education and industry, SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, building the nation’s future skilled workforce by delivering graduates who are career ready, day one. SkillsUSA works year-round to instill positive attitudes, build self-esteem and empower students to excel in the career path of their choice and follow their passions. The organization has 850 national partners and is integral to the training in nearly 20,000 career and technical education classrooms.

Follow Brady Kroll and the rest of the 2024 WorldSkills USA team online at www.worldskillsusa.org.