CANFIELD, Ohio – Valley STEM + ME2 Academy has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to support technical education and career preparation in CNC machining and related manufacturing technologies.
This marks the third consecutive year the academy has received funding from the foundation, with an $8,000 grant and a $5,000 grant awarded in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The grant will help expand opportunities for students enrolled in machining-based programs, such as engineering design and advanced manufacturing. Funding will be used for student scholarships, program supplies and consumables and to cover travel expenses for national competitions, including SkillsUSA and Project MFG. At those events, students demonstrate their technical skills and problem-solving abilities on a competitive stage.
The grant will also benefit career and technical center graduates pursuing further education or entering the workforce in machining or manufacturing-related fields.
“This funding provides our students with critical opportunities to advance their skills, build industry credentials and prepare for successful careers in advanced manufacturing,” said Mara Banfield, superintendent of Valley STEM + ME2 Academy. “We are incredibly grateful to the Gene Haas Foundation for investing in the future of our students and in the workforce of tomorrow.”
The Gene Haas Foundation – founded by Gene Haas of Haas Automation – supports manufacturing education programs nationwide. The foundation’s mission is to empower the next generation of skilled tradespeople and address the workforce shortage in America’s manufacturing sector through education and hands-on experience.
Pictured at top: Front row, from left, are instructor Todd VanOrman, Chris Moore, Ryan Timmings, Jason Yonkey, Landon Giovannone, Brady Harding, Ari DeRosa, Ayden Strock, Victoria Beatty, Gage Brereton and Ben Drummond. Back row, from left, are John Bushling, Gavin Bigelow, Anthony Marovich and Gavin Begley.