The Manufacturing Assistance Center at Pitt-Titusville earned 2 grants to support student scholarships

The Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Education and Training Hub has received two grants, which will be used to provide scholarships for students in the center’s basic machining and CNC programming and operations programs.

The MAC received a $25,000 grant from Crawford County as part of the American Rescue Plan and $12,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation, based in Oxnard, California, which supports manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond.

“We are very grateful to both the county and the Haas Foundation for awarding these funds, which will be used to support MAC students as they advance their skills and knowledge of machining,” said Stephanie Fiely, executive director of the Hub, “These funds are a great investment in our community since graduates of these programs tend to stay in the region and contribute to its economic health.”

Graduates of one or both programs have found positions at several regional companies, including Roser Technologies, Acutec Precision Aerospace, C&J Industries and Franklin Industries.

The Crawford County grant funds are available only to students living in the county. Students are eligible for up to $4,000 — after all other funding sources have been exhausted — to cover tuition and overcome other barriers that may prevent them from completing their training.

The Gene Haas Scholarships are to be used during the 2024 calendar year for current or future students enrolled in the CNC programming and operations course, regardless of residency. 

In both cases, funds will be awarded by the MAC and Hub leadership team based on financial need.

Since the MAC moved to Titusville in 2021, 47 students have completed basic machining, CNC programming and operations, or both courses. The basic machining program combines classroom, shop and machine time to give students the preparation they need to be successful in a machine shop environment. Students in the CNC course learn more advanced skills, including the theory of G-code machine language programming.

The next classes begin the week of Jan. 8. Learn more and enroll.