February 2025 Volume 7

FOUNDATION NEWS

Research and Technology Grants The Forging Foundation’s oldest grant program will be awarding new research and technology grants. FIERF awards grants to universities and community colleges to advance the science of forging and to engage students and professors in industry-rele vant research. Applications were due January 24, 2025, and the winners will be announced in May. Since 2003, the foundation has awarded over $2.3 Million in grants. How can you help? Partner with a school on a project. Forge the Future Summer Camps This summer FIERF will host its third round of Forge the Future Summer Camps. Camps have taken place in Cleveland and Michigan and will be coming to new locations each year. Students 11-15 years old have the opportunity to tour a forging facility, participate in STEAM and team building activities, and learn how to forge. Plus, campers get to take home their own forging – one of the campers favorite parts! How can you help? Share the camp information with parents and schools, or partner as a company on a summer camp. Forge in a Box The Foundation’s newest initiative, Forge in a Box, will launch later this year! FIERF is in the works of creating a ‘Forge in a Box’ or ‘Forging Kit’ for elementary school aged students. FIERF will partner with schools, libraries, and children’s museums to allow students to use the kits. The kits will be used to emulate the closed-die forging process and will include a 3D printed die, clay, and resources about the forging industry. This will allow kids to create their own, safe, forging while learning more about the process. Forging with Freddy Book Series

Women in Forging Luncheon The Women in Forging Committee is hosting a luncheon at Forge Fair on Wednesday, May 14. This workshop will empower and equip participants to access their inner courage by aligning person values with organizational purpose. Through interactive exercises and self-reflection, attendees will identify their unique strengths and core values, gaining a deeper understanding of how these qualities contribute to their role within the larger vision of the organization. The luncheon is for women and male allies in the forging industry, and you must be registered for Forge Fair to attend. Space is limited. How can you help? Register yourself and individuals at your company to attend. Annual FIERF Golf Outing Save the date for the next Forging Foundation Golf Outing! This year’s outing will be held on August 26th at Sand Ridge Golf Course. Over the past four years, the outing has raised over $200,000 to support the Forging Foundation’s workforce develop ment programs. How can you help? Register to play or sponsor the golf outing – more info coming soon.

“Forging with Freddy” was published with the purpose of educating chil dren on manufacturing, and more specifically, the forging process. The first two books in the series are entitled “Forging with Freddy” and “Forging with Freddy: Safety First.” The digital flipping books are avail able on FIERF’s website in English, French, and Spanish. Thanks to our sponsors, all proceeds from book

A special thank you to the individuals and member compa nies that have made these programs possible. We couldn’t do it without your continued support! If you are interested in learning more about any of the initiatives mentioned above or would like to support a specific program, contact Amanda Dureiko at amanda@forging.org.

purchases go back to the foundation’s educational programs. FIERF is also able to send a FREE copy of the book to schools and libraries. How can you help? Order a book or send the foundation a name and address of a school or library to mail a copy to.

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