There are some worthy incentives available for Ulster BOCES students interested in pursing a career in manufacturing. On Friday, February 3, the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center received a $17,500 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation that will help fund manufacturing-related scholarships as well as student projects and activities.

"We are most appreciative of Haas' support of our programs and their confidence in our students. These scholarships help to advance the technical skill level of workers entering both college and the field of manufacturing," says Marita Kitchell, director of Career & Technical Education and Pre-University/New Visions Programs.

"Contrary to the belief that China is the number one manufacturer in the world, it is the United States and it's been that way since World War II. One of the main challenges that the Manufacturing Industry faces today is the lack of well-trained skilled help to fill the manufacturing careers needed to keep this industry healthy and strong," says Martin McGill, vice president, Haas Factory Outlet, a Division of Allendale Machinery Systems. "Ulster BOCES manufacturing program has been recognized as one of the best High School programs in the Haas Technical Education Centers throughout the USA. These programs help promote the new image of manufacturing and focuses on the computerized and automated ways of making things. This is why Haas Automation and Allendale Machinery have been a long time supporter of Ulster BOCES and plan to do so for many years to come."

To date, the Gene Haas Foundation has donated $65,000 worth of scholarships to graduates of the Career & Technical Center's manufacturing programs. In addition, Haas Factory Outlet, a Division of Allendale Machinery Systems, and Haas Automation also donated $192,000 worth of new equipment to the Career & Technical Center at the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year.

To learn more about these manufacturing programs, or other programs offered at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center, call 845-331-6680 or visit www.ulsterboces.org.