CMM program receives fourth Gene Haas grant

November 16, 2022

ASHLAND, Ky. – The Computerized Manufacturing and Machining (CMM) program at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) has received its fourth scholarship grant from the Gene Haas Foundation.

This year’s grant was for $8,000, bringing the total award the college has received from this foundation to $36,000.

The Gene Haas Foundation’s primary goal is to build skills in the manufacturing and machining industry by providing scholarships for machine tool technology students. 

“This grant allows students to have extra money toward tuition, personal tools, books and items that are required by the program,” said Danny Pancake, CMM program coordinator. “These grants help students by freeing up their personal finances making it possible to attend classes. These are grants specifically designated for the machining trade and are given with the desire to increase interest in machining programs that train people for the much-needed jobs that are available all over the country.” 

There are currently seven students at ACTC who are using the scholarship fund.  Any new student would be eligible for this scholarship upon entry into the program. 

Machine tool students are awarded these grants based on availability of funds, need and continued success in the CMM program.

Through classroom instruction, students in the CMM program receive a hands-on experience learning to manufacture work pieces, setup and operate manual and CNC machine tools and verify the accuracy of machining processes and functions and producing finished products.

ACTC offers two diplomas and up to five certificates to prepare graduates for machine shop employment. Certificate and diploma credits may be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree in General Occupational/Technical Studies.

The degree and diploma credential programs are four semesters in length. Certificates can be earned in as little as one semester or as many as three, based on pace and the certificate chosen.

Pancake can be reached at danny.pancake@kctcs.edu.

Learn more about the CMM program by visiting https://ashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/computerized-manufacturing-machining.aspx