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Goodland, KS. (10/10/2024) – Fort Hays Tech | Northwest is proud to announce the Gene Haas Foundation has awarded the college a significant scholarship grant aimed at supporting students pursuing careers in manufacturing and related fields. The individual scholarship awards, ranging from $500 to $2,500, will provide essential financial assistance to aspiring CNC machinists and technicians, enabling them to achieve their educational goals and enter a rapidly growing industry.
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest's focus on developing Advanced Manufacturing as part of their Mechanical Engineering Technology program has been a major priority since 2021, given the rapid advancements in the industry. The program aims to equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for engineering technology. Through a hands-on approach that integrates drafting and applied mathematics, students gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, and Inventor.
The program incorporates live projects from the community and industry, allowing students to tackle real-world design and engineering challenges. They learn to reverse engineer, design, and develop solutions, utilizing the program's advanced manufacturing lab—an 1,800 sq. ft. facility equipped with multi-axis CNC machines and state-of-the-art 3D printers—to prototype and create working models of their designs.
Graduates emerge with the knowledge and experience necessary for successful careers in various engineering and manufacturing roles throughout Kansas and the surrounding region. Additionally, the program is working to strengthen the community’s capacity to support and grow the advanced manufacturing industry locally.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Gene Haas Foundation for their generous support,” said Mike Zimmerman, instructor. “This scholarship funding will make a profound difference in the lives of our students, allowing them to gain the skills necessary for success in the manufacturing sector.”
For more information about the Mechanical Engineering Technology program, please visit www.fhnw.edu
