Gene Hass check presentation to Workshops for Warriors. Courtesy photo
SAN DIEGO–Workshops for Warriors, a nonprofit school assisting veterans who are transitioning into civilian life through advanced manufacturing training, certification and job placement, announced it received a $250,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation.
The donation will help offset training and provide Workshops for Warriors machining students with stipends while they work to complete their certifications.
“This grant is crucial in helping give our Veterans an opportunity to complete all coursework,” said Hernàn Luis y Prado, Founder of Workshop for Warriors. “The Gene Haas Foundation is one of the most respected and supportive organizations when it comes to philanthropy and helping organizations meet their goals.”
The Gene Haas Foundation was created in 1999 by Gene Haas, Founder of the largest machine tool builder in the western world, Haas Automation. The Foundation provides scholarships for students entering technical training programs as well as supports youth programs to help motivate young people to get interested in manufacturing and machining.
“We’re very appreciative for their generosity. They’ve supported Workshops for Warriors for many years and they’re continuously looking to help Veterans and Wounded Warriors,” shared Luis y Prado.
Founded in 2008 as a workforce training and career coaching facility, founder Hernàn Luis y Prado founded the organization after 15 years of active duty service as a U.S. Navy officer with combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He recalls, “I saw more of my fellow service members die of suicide and drugs in San Diego than die from bombs and bullets in Baghdad. I needed to change that.” From 2011 to 2015, Workshops for Warriors trained more than 200 veterans and wounded warriors, all of whom obtained jobs in advanced manufacturing immediately after completing their programs.
