Gene Haas Foundation commended for program support

Ventura, California (January 27, 2012) – The Gene Haas Foundation was recognized today for its $150,000 donation to the Ventura College Foundation to fund the Ventura College Promise program. This major gift was celebrated at Ventura College’s new, state-of-the-art Welding/Automotive/Manufacturing instructional facility.

“In six years, we have been able to fund over 5,000 students through the Ventura College Promise, giving first-year Ventura College students a pathway to college degrees,” said Dr. Robin Calote, President of Ventura College. She continued, “The success and completion rates of our VC Promise students are twice that of their non-Promise program peers. Promise students enrolled in more classes and transferred successfully to four-year institutions, and most importantly, continued their education immediately after high school.”

“The extraordinary achievement of the Ventura College Promise would not be possible without the lead support of the Gene Haas Foundation,” stated Donna Santo, Chair of the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors. “The Gene Haas Foundation’s three-year commitment to the VC Promise helped launch an innovative program, and inspired other corporations, individuals, and foundations to support college education for students who need it most. To date, over $1,000,000 has been spent to support Ventura College Promise students, many who are the first in their families to attend college,” Santo continued.

“The Gene Haas Foundation believes in the value of a college education. Much of our Haas Automation workforce possess a high-level of specialized skills, often requiring a college education,” emphasized Peter Zierhut, Manager of the Gene Haas Foundation. “More importantly, we believe that a college-educated citizenry lifts our entire community,” continued Zierhut.

In addition to the Gene Haas Foundation’s recent gift, the Gene Haas Foundation has donated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment to Ventura College over the past decade, enabling hundreds of students to acquire the up-to-date skills needed to secure high-value jobs in the manufacturing technology sector.

ABOUT THE GENE HAAS FOUNDATION

The Gene Haas Foundation was formed in 1999 to fund the needs of the local community and other deserving charities, at the discretion of its founder, Mr. Gene Haas. Of special importance to the Gene Haas Foundation are children’s charities and organizations that feed the poor, especially within the local community of Ventura County. In addition, the Gene Haas Foundation provides scholarship funds to Community Colleges and Vocational Schools for students entering technical training programs, especially machinist-based certificate and degree programs. For more information visit www.ghaasfoundation.org/

ABOUT THE VENTURA COLLEGE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Ventura College students participating in the Manufacturing Applications and CNC Operator Program use the study of manufacturing processes to develop skill in the areas of manufacturing planning, machine shop operations, process controls and computer assisted machining. The Manufacturing Technology Department offers the opportunity for students to excel by providing the latest information and technology in both the lecture and laboratory settings. This program utilizes the most modern software and hardware to provide a real-world learning environment. The inclusion of new computer controlled laser technology and continuing the use of general manufacturing process technology gives the students access to industrial tools and technologies found in industry. A comprehensive set of undergraduate courses are offered for students interested in working toward the completion of proficiency awards in CNC Operation and Manufacturing Applications, transfer classes for university credit and general interest courses for the returning student looking for skill improvement and employment in local industry. The Manufacturing Technology program teaches Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine Operator training and Manufacturing Technology. Courses offered include applied machining, measurements and computations, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, quality control and mechanical inspection. For more information, visit www.venturacollege.edu.

ABOUT THE VENTURA COLLEGE FOUNDATION

The Ventura College Foundation is dedicated to the support and enhancement of the student educational experience at Ventura College through fundraising activities that provide nearly $1 million annually in scholarships, grants and funds to students, staff and for special projects. The Ventura College Promise is the Foundation’s nationally-acclaimed program which provides the first year at Ventura College tuition-free for all Ventura County high school graduates. The Ventura College Foundation is led by a volunteer board of community members who serve as the Board of Directors and hundreds of supporters, all of whom are dedicated to improving and sustaining the educational experience at Ventura College. For more information please call the Foundation at (805) 654-6461 or visit www.vcgiving.org