November 2024 Volume 6

FOUNDATION NEWS

FIERF FUNDED FORGING CLUBS

T his past year, the Forging Foundation (FIERF) started a new initiative providing funding to schools to start or continue forging clubs. FIERF committed to awarding four $5,000 Forging Club Grants and three industry partners stepped up to fund additional clubs. Awarded schools are committed to competing in FIERF’s Forging Competition, held at Forge Fair May 15, 2025, and to start an official Forging Club at their school if they don’t already have one. 2024 Awarded Forging Clubs: • Lehigh University – FIERF funded - Looking for an industry partner • Purdue University – FIERF funded - Looking for an industry partner • University of Cincinnati – FIERF funded - Looking for an industry partner • University of Florida – FIERF funded - Looking for an industry partner • Millersville University – Sponsored by Lehigh Heavy Forging • Michigan Technological University – Sponsored by Cornell Forge Company • Carnegie Mellon University – Sponsored by Ellwood Group There are a handful of awarded clubs that are still in search of an industry partner. While an industry partner is not required to start a club, it is highly encouraged. This is a great part nership opportunity that allows students to learn more about your company, connect with members in the forging industry, and could also help build a pipeline to fill open positions and internships at your company. FIERF was unable to fund all of the schools that applied for the Forging Club Grant, and we are asking for support from FIA members to sponsor a forging club. Below is a list of schools that applied but did not receive funding.

If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring a Forging Club at one of the schools listed, would like to partner with an already funded club, or would like to start a Forging Club at a school that your company already works with, please contact Amanda at amanda@forging.org.

• Alfred University (Alfred, NY) • Bear Iron Forge (Creston, NC) • Decatur Eisenhower High School (Decatur, IL) • Southern Ohio School of Blacksmithing (Logan, OH)

• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) • University of North Texas (Denton, TX) • University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)

The Forging Foundation (FIERF) is excited to announce that the FIERF Board of Trustees has permitted funding for eight new Forging Club Grants in 2025! Awards are $5,000, given to schools that are interested in starting or continuing Forging Clubs at their school. Awarded schools must commit to compete in FIERF’s 2026 Forging Competition and start an official Forging Club at their school. If your school already has an established Forging Club, funds from the grant can be used to improve or expand on your forging capabilities. Questions? Please contact Director, Foundation & Workforce Development, Amanda Dureiko at amanda@forging.org or call 216-781-6260.

8 New Forging Club Grants Available!

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2024 53