Media release from Georgia Northwestern Technical College:
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has announced the spring 2026 recipients of the Roper Corporation Scholarship are Tammy Chandler and Salvador Hernandez.
Chandler lives in Trion and is a student in the Computer Support Specialist program at the Walker County Campus; Hernandez resides in Summerville and studies Automation Technology at the Catoosa County Campus.
“We are deeply grateful for this generous investment from Roper Corporation,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “It demonstrates Roper’s commitment to elevate the workforce in northwest Georgia and support outstanding Roper employees enrolled at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.”
The Roper Corporation Scholarship, established in 2024, provides financial assistance to GNTC students employed by Roper Corporation. Roper is a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Appliances, a Haier company. The Roper plant in LaFayette manufactures freestanding ranges, wall ovens, electric and gas cooktops and is one of northwest Georgia’s largest employers with more than 2,500 employees.
“Roper Corporation remains deeply committed to building a strong pipeline of skilled talent, and the Roper Scholarship at GNTC is an important part of that commitment,” said Luther Ingram, Roper’s president and executive director and a member of the GNTC Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “By helping remove financial barriers, this scholarship will open doors for more students to pursue high-demand technical careers that are critical to both our company and our community.”
Students can be enrolled in any credit program and must be employed by Roper during the application and award semesters to be eligible for the scholarship. Funds from the scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, supplies, tools or other educational materials.
“Roper’s partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College reflects a shared commitment to building a strong, future-ready manufacturing workforce,” said Ben Canedo, Roper’s Human Resources senior business partner and a member of GNTC’s Board of Directors. “Together, they collaborate on tailored training programs, hands-on learning experiences and industry-recognized certifications that equip students with the practical skills needed in today’s advanced manufacturing environment. By combining GNTC’s educational expertise with Roper’s real-world industry insight, the partnership ensures students are prepared to meet evolving technical demands.”
“This collaboration not only strengthens Roper’s ability to attract and retain skilled talent, but also supports long-term workforce development across the region,” Canedo explained. “By aligning educational outcomes with business needs, both organizations help create a reliable pipeline of qualified professionals who are ready to contribute to innovation, operational excellence and sustained growth.”
In the GNTC photo:
From left, Ben Canedo, Human Resources senior business partner at Roper Corporation and a member of GNTC’s Board of Directors; Roper Corporation Scholarship recipients Tammy Chandler and Salvador Hernandez; and Luther Ingram, Roper’s president and executive director and a member of the GNTC Foundation’s Board of Trustees pose for a photo in recognition of Chandler and Hernandez receiving the scholarship for the spring 2026 semester.
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