Cleveland, OH Forge the Future Camp Recap

July 14 – 17, the Forging Foundation held its Third Annual Forge the Future Camp at Cuyahoga Community College.

Over the course of four days, campers engaged in a variety of activities—from learning about the different forging processes, touring Tri-C’s lab, touring a local forge shop (Wodin Inc.), to engaging in team building activities with other campers. Guided by instructors from both industry and academia, students gained firsthand experience and learned about the skills that power today’s forging facilities.

The last day of camp was the camper’s favorite…forging day! First campers designed and created their own forging with a 3D printed hammer, anvil, and clay. Then they were able to step up to the anvil and forge that item and even got to take it home with them.

Thank you Sponsor:

With Support From:

If you are interested in learning more about Forge the Future Camps, contact Amanda at [email protected].

Nearing Capacity - Annual Forging Foundation Golf Outing

There are only 16 spots left for the Annual FIERF Golf Outing!

Join your forging industry colleagues on August 26^th at Sand Ridge Golf Club for the 5^th Annual Forging Foundation (FIERF) Golf Outing. The Forging Foundation funds industry-relevant research to advance the science of forging and engages students through curriculum, experiential learning, and scholarships to pursue careers in the forging supply chain.

Funds raised from this golf outing will support the Forging Foundation (FIERF).

Click the button below to register online.

Thank you to the companies that have registered:

Sponsorships:

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available for this outing. Click here to download the sponsorship brochure. Sponsorships will be secured on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have questions regarding sponsorship, please contact Amanda Dureiko at [email protected]. 

Thank You Sponsors:

	The Underys Family

2025-2026 Forging Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced

Edward F. Wozniak Memorial Scholarship:

• Morgan Dehn, Purdue University

Forging Industry Women’s Scholarship:

• Maura Murphy, University of Notre Dame
• Brooke Lastinger, University of Florida
• Carolyn Morelock, Purdue University
• Kaylin Matthews, Purdue University

Charles W. Finkl Scholarship:

• Stephen Gabes, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
• Jonathan Sixkiller, Grand Canyon University
• Laney Zuelsdorff, University of Wisconsin - Madison

The Al Underys Engineering, Metallurgical & Material Sciences Memorial Scholarship:

• Samuel Coartney, Missouri University of Science & Technology
• Jesse Pequeno, Wayne State University
• Alejandro Padilla Gonzalez, University of North Texas
• Daniel Ross, LeTourneau University
• Ian Moran, Cleveland State University

Share Scholarship Opportunities with Your Interns!

The Forging Foundation awards scholarships each year to students interested in careers in the forging supply chain. First consideration is given to applicants with a connection to the forging industry. Applications open in January each year and are due in April. Recipients are selected by assigned FIERF scholarship committees and are then announced in July.

Applicants may apply to all scholarships that they qualify for.  Applicants are only eligible to receive one award.

Edward F. Wozniak Memorial Scholarship: Endowed by Wozniak Industries, this scholarship awards up to $2,500 to full-time graduate and undergraduate students attending four-year colleges or universities; or up to $1,000 to students attending two-year community colleges or trade schools (pursuing degrees or certifications). Students must be attending a school in the following states: KY, TN, IN, IL, MI, IA, MO, AR, NC, SC, MS, AL, NE, OK, WI. Students must be studying in the fields of engineering or business.  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above and be a citizen of the United States, Canada or Mexico.

Forging Industry Women’s Scholarship:The Forging Industry Women’s Scholarship was endowed by Sharon Haverstock in 2015. With the goal of attracting more women leaders to the forging industry, the scholarship provides awards of up to $5,000 to full-time graduate and undergraduate students attending a two- or four- year college or university in the fields of engineering, business or a comparable area of study.  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above and be a citizen of the United States, Canada or Mexico.

Charles W. Finkl Scholarship: This scholarship was endowed by Finkl in 2004. Scholarships are awarded to college sophomores and juniors majoring in metallurgical, materials, mechanical, chemical, computer, electrical or industrial engineering at an accredited four-year college or university.  Awards are $2,000 in the junior year and an additional $2,000 in the senior year if the student remains eligible. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and be a citizen of the United States, Canada or Mexico. 

The Al Underys Engineering, Metallurgical & Material Sciences Memorial Scholarship: The Al Underys Engineering, Metallurgical & Material Sciences Memorial Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship available to high school seniors, current undergraduate, or graduate students pursuing a degree in chemical, computer, electrical, industrial, materials, mechanical or metallurgical engineering.  Scholarship recipients will be matched with an FIA member company to complete an available internship opportunity. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and be a citizen of the United States, Canada or Mexico.

Year Two of Funding Brings to Light More Forging Clubs!

The Forging Foundation started a new initiative in 2024, to provide funding to schools to start or continue forging clubs. FIERF committed to awarding four $5,000 Forging Club Grants in 2024 and eight grants in 2025. Awarded schools are committed to compete in FIERF’s Forging Competition and start an official Forging Club at their school. Below is a list of current clubs. You can also find the clubs on the foundation’s website here.

California:

• La Jolla Country Day High School – La Jolla, CA – Industry Partner Needed

Connecticut:

• University of Connecticut - Storrs, CT – Industry Partner: Consolidated Industries Inc.

Florida:

• University of Florida – Gainesville, FL - Industry Partner Needed

Georgia:

• University of Georgia - Athens, GA – Industry Partner: Trenton Forging

Illinois:

• Decatur Eisenhower High School – Decatur, IL – Industry Partner: IMT CJ Forge

Indiana:

• Purdue University - West Lafayette, IN - Industry Partner: Steel Dynamics, Inc.

Michigan:

• Michigan Technological University - Industry Partner & Sponsor: Cornell Forge

New York:

• Alfred University – Alfred, NY – Industry Partner: Charter Steel & Chiz Bros.
• SUNY College of Technology at Canton – Canton, NY – Industry Partner Needed

Ohio:

• University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH - Industry Partner Needed

Pennsylvania:

• Carnegie Mellon University – Industry Partner & Sponsor: Ellwood Group

• Lehigh University – Bethlehem, PA - Industry Partner: Lehigh Heavy Forge

• Millersville University -Industry Partner & Sponsor: Lehigh Heavy Forge
• University of Pittsburgh – Industry Partner & Sponsor: Ellwood Group

Vermont:

• The Putney School - Putney, VT – Industry Partner Needed

Wisconsin:

• Blackhawk Technical College - Rock County, WI – Industry Partner: Scot Forge

Interested in learning more about sponsoring or partnering with a Forging Club, contact Amanda at [email protected].

FIERF Professor Summit

On July 30, individuals from academia and industry came together for a dynamic event focused on collaboration and innovation for the forging industry and academia. Hosted at Colorado School of Mines (CSM), the gathering brought together professors, researchers, and industry professionals to share insights, align on challenges, and explore opportunities for joint advancement in forging and workforce practices.

The event started with Angela Gibian, Interim President & CEO of the Forging Industry Association, giving an update on the current state of the industry and association. Amanda Dureiko, Executive Director of the Forging Foundation, followed Gibian’s presentation by giving an overview and update on the Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation. Both shared valuable insights on the industry and initiatives that the association is trying to accomplish to build a pipeline of future forgers. Charles Edens, Executive Director and MAI III - Program Manager at ATI shared a few slides about the funding opportunities through the organization for research to help advance the forging industry. Terry Lowe, FIERF Professor at CSM shared insights around forging education and ideas on creating a center of excellence for the forging industry. Mason Weems, Ph.D. Student at CSM then  shared best practices and how-tos for other schools that have an interest in starting or continuing a forging club on their campus. Steve Midson, CSM Professor, closed out the presentations by sharing an update on his project “Permanent Lubricious Coatings Applied to Tooling to Minimize Lubricant Use During Forging” with the attendees.

As the day concluded, attendees went on a tour to see CSM’s innovative facilities and labs. Attendees were even able to stop by CSM’s hot shop to see a live blacksmithing demonstration by Mason Weems and Rachel Chase who are current students of CSM and instrumental members of CSM’s Forging Club.

This kind of collaboration is essential for our industry and will help strengthen the future of the forging industry’s workforce.

If you are interested in partnering with a school to help advance the forging industry workforce, contact Amanda at [email protected].