College Receives Manufacturing Scholarship Funds from Gene Haas Foundation

Fred Schultz from Gerotech, on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation, presented a $15,000 check for manufacturing related student scholarships to Kalamazoo Valley faculty member Bill Kring, Provost Dr. Paige Eagan and President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.

The Gene Haas Foundation's primary goal is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC machine technology students. Students chosen to receive these scholarships will be awarded $500 to $2,500 per semester. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books and small personal tools which students are required to purchase for the program.

Manufacturing employers are desperate for skilled workers, according to Engineering Design and Manufacturing Technology faculty member Bill Kring. He says he receives phone calls almost daily from area employers who want to hire skilled trades workers. “The biggest need is in CNC and electro-mechanical maintenance-type positions,” Kring said.

Because the EDMT staff work closely to tailor their curriculum and lab equipment to local industry standards, Kring is confident that Kalamazoo Valley students are well prepared to enter the work force upon graduation.

“From beginning to advanced, we're equipped to serve our students quite well,” Kring said. “When our students leave us, they’re ready for work. I’m quite confident that they’re going to become some of the most valuable employees in any company. They can go to work in a host of capacities and they’re going to be some of the best.”

There are many stable, long-term employment opportunities in the industrial trades field and Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a respected provider of skilled training in these important sectors. Many scholarships, internship and apprenticeship opportunities are available. To learn more about these options and for information about how to apply to Kalamazoo Valley visit www.kvcc.edu/register. Fall semester begins Wednesday, Sept. 8.