November 2023 Volume 5

FOUNDATION NEWS

FIERF Scholarships Making an Impact on Student Education

The Forging Foundation (FIERF) awards up to 29 new scholarships each year to college and university students interested in careers in the forging supply chain. First consideration is given to applicants with a connection to the forging industry. Applications open February 1st of each year and are due April 13th. Recipients are announced in June. Below are testimonials from several of the 2023-2024 recipients showing their gratitude to the foundation for the support of their educational endeavors. AL UNDERYS SCHOLARSHIP: A $2,500 scholarship available to high school seniors or 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. Athena Shier:

Titus Smith:

I am overjoyed to be the recipient of the AI Underys Engineering, Metallurgical and Material Science Memorial Scholarship. I appreciate your generous support of my college education goals. I will use these funds to help pay for my upcoming college expenses. This scholarship allows me the opportunity to concentrate on my

studies without the need to have a part time job while in college. This financial support will allow me to take more credits each semester and thereby reduce the overall time spent getting my degree. I believe that I can make a difference in my community by utilizing my talents in math and science both to inspire younger people to reach their potential and also to be a part of the new advances in technology which aid all of us. I plan to obtain my mechanical engineering degree efficiently and move on to being a professional mechanical engineer where I can give back to others with similar aspirations. Thank you again for your generous support. This financial support will benefit me greatly as I pursue my passion for engineering and innovation. CHARLES W. FINKL SCHOLARSHIP: Awarded to college sophomores and juniors majoring in metallurgical, materials, materials, 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. Jose Gonzales:

I want to express how immensely grateful I am to the Forging Foundation for this scholarship. Financing my education has been a years-long struggle for me as a student without a family college fund, and so scholarships like the one you funded are the only reason I am able to get an education. I will be using this scholarship to

pay for my rent this school year, which will not only take immense anxiety and pressure off my shoulders, but it will directly help me in the future. Just a few weeks ago I was intending to take out thousands of dollars in federal and private loans to pay for tuition, room, and board, but now thanks to you, I'm one step closer to being loan free! I will make every effort to put this scholarship, and your trust, to good use. I spend much of my free time volunteering for various causes such as robotics education at UofSC and providing for the homeless population of my hometown. I hope to continue doing all of this on top of receiving an excellent education.

I would like to express my gratitude for awarding me this scholarship that'll help me continue my college education.

Growing up in a single mother household with 2 other siblings, we don't have a lot of money and being an immigrant from Mexico means I do not qualify for Federal Student Aid, and I've had to pay for my courses out of pocket along with helping to pay bills and buy food.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023 66