Valley STEM + ME2 Academy receives a $20,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation

The Gene Haas Foundation awarded the Valley STEM + ME2 Academy with a $20,000 grant to continue a growing partnership dedicated to strengthening technical education and workforce readiness in the fields of CNC machining and advanced manufacturing.

The Gene Haas Foundation supports manufacturing education programs across the country. The foundation works to invest in the next generation America's workforce and skilled tradespeople. 

This is the third consecutive year the academy has received funding from the foundation, bringing the total to $33,000 supporting students enrolled in hands-on, career technical programs such as engineering design and advanced manufacturing.

Specifically, the funds will be allocated toward scholarships, classroom materials, consumables and travel expenses for students participating in elite national competitions like SkillsUSA and Project MFG.

"This funding provides our students with critical opportunities to advance their skills, build industry credentials, and prepare for successful careers in advanced manufacturing," said Dr. Mara Banfield, Superintendent of Valley STEM + ME2 Academy. 

In addition to empowering current students, this scholarship will also support career and technical center graduates pursing post secondary education or entering directly into the skilled trades.

With a growing need for qualified machinists and technicians in Northeast Ohio and across the country the Gene Haas foundation continues to pursue their mission to empower the next generation of the workplace.