August 2024 Volume 6

FOUNDATION NEWS

Another impactful way to get involved with FIERF is by providing internship opportunities for scholarship recipients. FIERF strongly encourages all scholarship awardees to engage in internships, and it is a key part of the Al Underys Engineering, Metallurgical & Mate rial Sciences Memorial Scholarship. Lastly, spreading awareness about these opportunities is crucial. Participation and advocacy for these initiatives, along with other FIERF programs, significantly contributes to the organization's efforts in workforce development. The foundation asks that FIA members share information about the FIERF Scholarships and opportunities with their employees and interns. Those with ties to the industry are more likely to pursue careers within the supply chain and help to strengthen the future workforce for years to come.

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, indus trial, materials, mechanical or metallurgical engineering. Scholar ship 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. 2024 Recipients: • Tyler Bailey, Grove City College • Luis Escobedo, Florida Polytechnic University • Robert Herr, Slippery Rock University • Caleb Oppelt, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology • Aidan Powell, Purdue University Northwest • Luisa Ruiz, University of North Texas Presidents' Challenge Scholarship: Scholarships awarded to local community college or trade schools for students studying coursework related to the forging industry such as, but not limited to Computer Automated Design, CNC Machine Technology, Industrial Manu facturing Engineering Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Mechanical Systems, Mechatronics, Multi-skilled Maintenance Technology, Robotics and Automated Technology, and Welding Technology. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $500 and are renewable for one year based on continued enrollment in one of the eligible programs of study, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, completing the Forging Fundamentals: Forging 101 eLearning course and tour a forging facility. How You Can Help There are several ways for individuals and their businesses to support students interested in forging industry careers. One way to support is by donating directly to the foundation to contribute to the schol arships discussed in this article. Donations and gifts to the Forging Foundation are fully tax-deductible, as allowed by law. These funds help sustain the foundation's scholarship programs, fostering career development in the manufacturing sector. • Stephon Williams, Wayne State University • Alec Williamson, Colorado School of Mines

“Word of mouth can be the most impactful marketing tool an organiza tion has,” said Angela Gibian, Executive Director of FIERF and Deputy Chief Executive of FIA. “When our member companies share these types of opportu nities with their employees, friends and family, the influx of participation is clear and truly makes a difference.”

If you have any questions about getting involved with FIERF or these scholarship opportunities, please contact Amanda Dureiko, Director of Foundation & Workforce Development at amanda@ forging.org or call 216-781-6260.

“We are so grateful for the support from our FIA members, current and past, who have helped us to be able to continue on with all of our workforce development efforts,” said Amanda Dureiko, Director, Foundation & Workforce Develop ment at FIA. "Their generosity is trans forming lives and shaping the future of our industry. Thank you for your invalu able support."

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2024 67