Steven Olinger 30 June 2026 1 minute read
Southwest Virginia Community College Receives $15,000 Gene Haas Scholarship Grant
Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) has received a $15,000 Gene Haas Scholarship Grant to support students pursuing careers in precision machining and advanced manufacturing.
The Gene Haas Scholarship is awarded to students who are currently enrolled, or are planning to enroll, in a machining-focused training program at SWCC, such as the Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate. This marks the fourth time the College has been selected to receive this prestigious award, further demonstrating its commitment to workforce development and technical education.
“This scholarship will help students further their educational goals by providing financial support for tuition, and we are incredibly grateful for this continued investment in our students,” said Steven Olinger, Assistant Professor of Machining/CNC Technology and Industrial Safety.
Students enrolled in the Precision Machining and Advanced Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate programs have the opportunity to earn a variety of industry-recognized credentials. These include certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), National Coalition of Certification (Starrett/Snap-On), as well as First Aid/CPR/AED and OSHA 10 certifications, enhancing graduates’ readiness for the workforce.
The Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate can be completed in just one year and features hands-on coursework in areas such as Machine Shop Practices, Blueprint Reading, Introduction to Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer Numerical Controls (CNC).
For more information about the Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate or other programs offered through the Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology Division, contact SWCC at 276.964.7277, or email beit@sw.edu.