News and Events

All first-year students enrolled in the Machine Tool Technology Program will receive a $750 Gene Haas Scholarship. 

Since 2015, the Alexandria College program has received annual grants from the Gene Haas Foundation, bringing their total received to $159,000. A BIG check was presented to Instructors Kevin Huwe and Tony Hanson and Sean Johns, Dean of Educational Services on Feb. 2 by Hope Riska and Richard Kotten of Productivity, the local Haas Factory Outlet in Plymouth, Minn.

Alexandria College offers training in machine and metal processes, advanced precision machining skills using machines such as the computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining and turning center, wire and sinking EDMs, precision surface grinders, CAD/CAM software and other shop equipment. Blueprint reading is also taught. 

The industry demand for skilled machinists is very high, according to instructors Kevin Huwe and Tony Hanson. “Starting wages for skilled machinists have never been greater,” Huwe said. “It’s a great time to enter the machining trades.”

The Gene Haas Scholarships, along with the state funded Workforce Development Scholarships, are critical to recruiting efforts for the college to educate the next generation of skilled machinists.

Alexandria College is very active with local manufacturing companies, including Aagard, Alexandria Industries, Brenton Engineering and Douglas Machine in Alexandria, ComDel Innovation in Wahpeton, N.D., and help to keep the pipeline of manufacturing going with graduates from their program. 

The Machine Tool Technology Program also works with local high schools, offering summer camps for students and teacher training throughout Minnesota. 

About the Gene Haas Foundation

The Gene Haas Foundation’s primary goal is to build skills in the manufacturing industry by providing scholarships for CNC machine technology students. For high schools, a portion of the funds may also be used to support the school’s participation in student competitions such as FIRST or VEX Robotics, SkillsUSA and Supermileage programs that highlight their manufacturing programs.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Haas Automation, Inc., Founder and CEO Gene Haas, to support the needs of the local community, through grants to such local charities as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Food Share, Rescue Mission, and others.

Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry-wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.