Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School has received a $30,000 CNC Education Grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to support students in the school's Engineering, Design + Innovative Technology (EDIT) program.
The Gene Haas Foundation empowers students to explore technical career pathways in manufacturing, ensuring the next generation of skilled professionals have the resources they need to succeed.
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School received a $30,000 CNC Education Grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to support students in the school's Engineering, Design + Innovative Technology (EDIT) program. Accepting the grant were, front row, from left, teacher Giancarlo Chiarot, students Bryan Le, Maija Nener, Kate Brett and Soham Passi; and back row, from left, students Tanner Gibson, Lane Boyuk, Peter Xiong, Nathan Audette and teacher Dan Monti.
The grant provided Grade 12 students Nathan Audette, Lane Boyuk, Kate Brett, Tanner Gibson, Bryan Le, Maija Nener, Soham Passi and Peter Xiong with a $2,000 scholarship to help them launch their post-secondary journeys in engineering, trades and CNC technology. The remaining funds will be used to purchase materials and tools for the school's EDIT program.
Nathan Audette, a lead designer for Lo-Ellen Robotics, was thrilled to receive a scholarship. "It's recognition for the hard work and passion that I have dedicated to engineering over the past few years." He added: "What truly makes this special is that some of my classmates and teammates also received a scholarship. It's an achievement for us all."
To be eligible for a scholarship, students must successfully complete a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Manufacturing, participate in a FIRST Robotics Competition team, and pursue a career relevant to the CNC manufacturing industry.
"I plan to work towards a career in mechatronics/robotics engineering or one that involves my passion for designing, building and solving real-world problems with engineering," said student Nathan Audette. "These funds will go a long way to help me achieve my goals."
"The grant rewards the hands-on experience students have gained in CNC manufacturing, machining, and robotics through our SHSM program," said teacher Dan Monti. "It also validates our EDIT program's mission to bridge education and industry."
He added: "We are incredibly grateful to the Gene Haas Foundation for their support. This funding strengthens our ability to prepare future innovators while removing barriers to post-secondary success."
In addition to the CNC Education Grant, the Gene Haas Foundation also provided donations of $2,750 to support Lo-Ellen Park's FIRST Robotics team over the last two competition seasons.
"I extend sincere thanks to the Gene Haas Foundation for their support of student success," said Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School Principal Pam Potvin. "These funds will enable our educators to continue providing impactful programming that will enhance the future for our students who are pursuing a career in manufacturing."
