What’s Heating Up This Season!

From scholarships to summer camps and industry events, there’s a lot happening across the forging community. Here’s everything you need to know—and how to get involved!

Featured in this Newsletter:

Scholarship Applications Closing April 14th

6th Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser

Forging Industry TechCon

Forging Competition

Forge the Future Summer Camp

Annual Golf Outing

Scholarships Closing Soon — Don’t Miss Out!

Deadline: April 14, 2026

Know a student interested in the forging industry or are you a current student? Now’s the time to apply! The Forging Foundation offers four scholarship opportunities:

• Edward F. Wozniak Memorial Scholarship
• Forging Industry Women’s Scholarships
• Charles W. Finkl Scholarships
• The Al Underys Engineering, Metallurgical & Material Sciences Memorial Scholarship

Recipients announced in June!
Be sure to share this with your students and interns—opportunities like this can shape futures.

Call for Donations: Silent Auction Fundraiser

April 30, 2026 | FIA Annual Meeting

We’re gearing up for the 6th Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser, and we need your help to make it a success!

Donate items like:

• Gift cards & products
• Professional services
• Unique experiences
• Funds for a basket to be created in your company’s name

Why it matters: Every dollar raised supports scholarships, hands-on training, and the next generation of forging professionals.

Thank you to our current donors:

Want to join the growing list of donor companies? Reach out to Amanda at [email protected]. Deadline to donate is April 10.

May 19–20, 2026 | Macomb Community College

Join industry leaders, researchers, and students for two days of innovation, insights, and networking.

Highlights:

• Cutting-edge technical presentations
• Research project updates
• Student & academic showcases
• Industry networking opportunities

Exclusive Plant Tour

Visit DAUCH Corporation’s Fraser Manufacturing Facility and see advanced metal forming in action.

Spots are limited—pre-registration required!

Click here to view the program agenda.

Forging Competition Underway

The heat is on! This year’s Forging Competition is officially underway, and 23 teams are taking on an exciting and demanding project.

The Challenge: Forge an American Felling Axe

Student teams will design and manufacture a fully functional American felling axe—from initial concept all the way to final performance testing.

Each team’s axe must meet the following specifications:

• Weight: Between 3.5 lbs. and 6 lbs.
• Length: 36 inches
• Process: Fully forged using traditional and modern manufacturing techniques

Each axe will undergo a series of real-world performance tests to evaluate its effectiveness and craftsmanship at the competition on May 21st.

Stay tuned for updates and team highlights on FIA & FIERF’s social media channels as the competition progresses!

Forge the Future Summer Camp — Cleveland

Looking for a hands-on, unforgettable experience for young learners? The Forge the Future Summer Camp is back in Cleveland!

July 27–30, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cuyahoga Community College (Advanced Technology Training Center)
Registration: $75*

*Breakfast and lunch are included

Designed for students ages 11–15, this four-day camp introduces the exciting world of forging through:

• Hands-on forging experiences
• Facility tours
• STEM activities & team challenges
• A custom project campers take home!

Campers gain early exposure to manufacturing careers, build new skills, and experience the power of creating something with their own hands—all while having fun.

Get Involved

Looking to support and inspire the next generation of talent? Sponsor your employees’ children to attend the camp, facilitate an activity, or sponsor the event.

Sponsorship Deadline: July 1

Annual Golf Outing

August 31, 2026 | Westfield Country Club (South Course)

Hit the greens with fellow industry professionals at one of Northeast Ohio’s premier courses.

What’s Included:

• 18 holes of golf + cart
• Lunch & dinner reception
• Networking with industry peers

All proceeds support the Forging Foundation through forging research, education, and scholarships.

Event Schedule:

12:00 PM – Shotgun Start (boxed lunch included)

5:00 PM – Networking & Dinner Reception

Registration Deadline: August 11, 2026

Stay Connected. Get Involved. Forge the Future.

Every event, donation, and opportunity helps strengthen the future of the forging industry. Whether you're supporting students, attending events, or sponsoring initiatives—you’re making a difference.

Interested in learning how your company can get connected and engage with students through the Forging Foundation? Contact Amanda at [email protected].

All contributions, donations, and gifts to the Forging Foundation (FIERF) are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. All administrative costs and event expenses are paid by the Forging Industry Association so your donation goes directly to supporting FIERF programs such as scholarships, forging related research projects, education initiatives, and workforce development programming.