Five Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students have been awarded the spring 2026 Gene Haas Scholarship, a program designed to support academic achievement and help students pursuing credentials in precision machining and manufacturing-related fields.
The recipients include John Burnette of Summerville; Joshua Ruiz Campos of Dalton; Zachary Culp of Adairsville; Gibson Scott of Fairmount; and Mayahuel Yaoapoqa of Trion. The scholarship is available to students enrolled in the Precision Machining and Manufacturing program on the Floyd County Campus in Rome and the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.
“Georgia Northwestern Technical College deeply appreciates the Gene Haas Foundation for its outstanding support of our students,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “These funds will enable students in our Precision Machining and Manufacturing program to stay the course toward graduation and achieve their career goals. We are grateful for this ongoing partnership.”
The scholarships were presented to the students by Jon Minyard, a Haas sales engineer.
Minyard said the Gene Haas Foundation’s support helps expand student opportunity while strengthening program excellence by providing access to industry-standard CNC technology, hands-on training and financial assistance that helps remove barriers to education.
“At Georgia Northwestern Technical College, the impact of the Gene Haas Foundation is measured in student opportunity and program excellence,” Minyard said. “Their investment provides aspiring machinists with access to industry-standard CNC technology, hands-on training and scholarship support that removes financial barriers and accelerates career pathways.”
GNTC awards Gene Haas Scholarships throughout the year.
According to Minyard, the scholarships help students graduate with practical, real-world skills and prepare them for direct entry into high-demand manufacturing careers.
Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, funds the foundation to help strengthen the future of manufacturing, which he considers essential to a strong economy.
For the college, Minyard said the partnership strengthens the machining program, supports industry collaboration and helps ensure the curriculum remains aligned with modern manufacturing needs.
The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars annually to educational and community organizations. All grants are awarded exclusively to tax-exempt entities through an online application process. In 2024 alone, the foundation distributed more than $32 million in grants, bringing its total contributions since 1999 to over $225 million.
