The Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) continues to lead efforts to attract, educate, and support the next generation of forging professionals. Through a growing network of educational partnerships, scholarships, competitions, and research initiatives, the Foundation is forging strong connections between industry and academia—laying the groundwork for a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Forging Club Grants: Expanding Hands-On Learning Nationwide

Launched in 2024, the Forging Club Grant program has rapidly expanded, supporting the creation and growth of student-led forging clubs across high schools and colleges. These grants provide resources to help students gain hands-on experience with forging processes, develop technical skills, and explore careers in the industry.

Through Foundation and FIA member sponsorship, there are now 14 college forging clubs and three high school forging clubs.

Participating Schools & Industry Partners

• Arizona
  • Grand Canyon University – Partner: Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg.
• California
  • La Jolla Country Day High School – Partner Needed
• Connecticut
  • University of Connecticut – Partner: Consolidated Industries Inc.
• Florida
  • University of Florida – Partner Needed
• Georgia
  • University of Georgia – Partner: Trenton Forging
• Illinois
  • Decatur Eisenhower High School – Partner: IMT CJ Forge
• Indiana
  • Purdue University – Partner: Steel Dynamics, Inc.
• Michigan
  • Michigan Technological University – Partner: Cornell Forge
• New York
  • Alfred University – Partner: Charter Steel
  • SUNY Canton – Partner Needed
• Ohio
  • University of Cincinnati – Partner Needed
• Pennsylvania
  • Carnegie Mellon University – Partner: Ellwood Group
  • Lehigh University – Partner: Lehigh Heavy Forge
  • Millersville University – Partner: Lehigh Heavy Forge
  • University of Pittsburgh – Partner: Ellwood Group
• Vermont
  • The Putney School – Partner Needed
• Wisconsin
  • Blackhawk Technical College – Partner: Scot Forge

Note: Industry partners are still needed for several schools. Interested companies are encouraged to contact FIERF to get involved.

FIERF Scholarships: Investing in Tomorrow’s Talent

Each year, FIERF awards scholarships to students pursuing careers in engineering and business. These scholarships not only offer financial support but also connect students with opportunities in the industry.

Available Scholarships

Applications open in January and are due in April 2026. First consideration is given to applicants with a connection to the forging industry.

Edward F. Wozniak Memorial Scholarship

• Up to $2,500 (four-year schools) or $1,000 (two-year/trade schools)
• Eligible states: KY, TN, IN, IL, MI, IA, MO, AR, NC, SC, MS, AL, NE, OK, WI
• Fields: Engineering or Business
• GPA: 2.75+
• Open to U.S., Canadian, and Mexican citizens

Forging Industry Women’s Scholarship

• Up to $5,000
• Open to women pursuing engineering, business, or related fields
• GPA: 2.75+

• Citizens of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico

Charles W. Finkl Scholarship

• $2,000 for junior year + $2,000 for senior year
• Fields: Metallurgical, materials, mechanical, chemical, computer, electrical, or industrial engineering
• GPA: 3.0+
• Open to U.S., Canadian, and Mexican citizens

Al Underys Memorial Scholarship

• $2,500
• Fields: Metallurgical, materials, mechanical, chemical, computer, electrical, or industrial engineering
• Includes an internship with an FIA member company
• GPA: 3.0+
• Open to U.S., Canadian, and Mexican citizens

Forging Competition: Engineering Meets Ingenuity

The Forging Competition challenges student teams to design, forge, and test a new product each year. For 2026, teams will forge an American felling axe meeting specific design requirements:

• Weight: Between 3.5–6 lb.
• Length: 36 inches
• Submissions must include: forged axe, project video, and technical report

This year’s challenge is a nod to history—tasking students with re-engineering the tool that shaped early American industry, transforming the original European-style axe to suit the demanding North American landscape.

Forge the Future: Summer Camps for the Next Generation

Now entering its fourth year, the Forge the Future Summer Camps introduce middle school students (ages 11–15) to the world of forging. Camps have been hosted in Ohio, Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin—with more locations being added annually.

Campers get to:

• Tour local forging facilities
• Participate in STEAM-based learning
• Forge their own part to take home

Schools and companies are encouraged to host their own camps using FIERF’s proven curriculum and support materials.

Research & Technology Grants: Driving Industry Innovation

FIERF’s oldest program continues to fund cutting-edge research in forging science. Grants are awarded to universities and community colleges for projects that advance technology and engage both students and faculty in real-world industry challenges.

Check out the Technical Library to see past project reports.

“Forging with Freddy”: Inspiring the Youngest Minds

The Forging with Freddy children’s book series introduces students to the forging industry through engaging, illustrated stories.

• Titles: Forging with Freddy and Forging with Freddy: Safety First
• Available in English, French, and Spanish
• Digital versions can be accessed on the FIERF website
• Free printed copies are available for schools and libraries upon request

All proceeds support educational programming through the Forging Foundation.

Support the Forging Foundation: Help Build the Future

Silent Auction

The 6th Annual Silent Auction will be held at FIA’s Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. Proceeds benefit all FIERF initiatives—scholarships, research, summer camps, and forging clubs. Companies can donate or sponsor items to be auctioned in their name.

Make a Gift

Support FIERF through:

• Online donations at FIERF.org
• Mailing a check to:

Donors can designate gifts to specific programs or scholarships. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Join us in forging the future of manufacturing. Whether through educational partnerships, scholarship sponsorship, or direct support, your involvement helps shape a skilled, innovative, and resilient workforce for tomorrow’s forging industry.