Lighting the Spark: A Guide for Foundries to Engage Youth Through Camps

Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS) is proud to share a video recording designed to provide members with a framework for engaging and inspiring the next generation of manufacturing talent through hands-on summer camps.

The recording highlights the Sparkforce Summer Manufacturing Camp Program, a national initiative led by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) Foundation, which gives middle and high school students direct exposure to careers in manufacturing. The video not only demonstrates the impact of these camps but also provides practical guidance on how foundries and NFFS members can participate, host, or sponsor programs in their communities.

“This recording is designed to show foundries how they can get involved,” said Bill Padnos, NFFS Director of Workforce Development. “We know there’s tremendous value in connecting young people to our industry early. These camps make that possible, with a proven model and support structure already in place.”

What Sparkforce Offers

Sparkforce, formerly Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, is the mission arm of the FMA Foundation, providing three main programs to attract, develop, and engage future manufacturing professionals:

• Scholarships: Short-term impact for students, helping them gain the training and credentials needed to enter manufacturing careers.
• Inclusive Manufacturing Camps: Focused on young adults with disabilities, these camps build both hard and soft skills for future employment.
• Summer Manufacturing Camps: Long-term impact programs for students aged 12–16 that expose them to careers, technologies, and hands-on experiences in manufacturing.

Since 2005, Sparkforce has expanded from one camp to over 300 camps in 28 states, reaching thousands of students each year. Camps are typically hosted at community colleges, technical high schools, or community organizations, and each camp is supported with curriculum, funding, and materials from Sparkforce.

Spotlight on Metal Casting

While many camps focus on machining, welding, or robotics, metal casting is now becoming part of Sparkforce’s programming thanks to champions like Joe Costabile, a veteran foundry professional.

Joe collaborated with Joliet Junior College to host a camp combining metal casting and 3D printing, providing students with hands-on experience from CAD design to finished products. Using his portable “Foundry in a Box”, Joe safely demonstrated tin casting to students aged 12–17.

“Students loved it,” Joe said. “They learned real-world skills,
problem-solving, and even the art of casting, making mistakes safely
and learning from them. Many asked for advanced classes,
which shows the impact we can have early on.”

How NFFS Members Can Get Involved

The video recording serves as a step-by-step guide for members who want to host or sponsor a camp:

• Partner with an educational institution: Community colleges, high schools, and makerspaces provide the ideal environment to host camps safely.
• Determine facilities and instructor needs: Each camp is unique, but generally requires only one or two classrooms or labs.
• Apply for Sparkforce grants: Up to $2,000 per camp is available to cover materials and curriculum. Applications for 2026 camps are open until December 1, 2025 at Sparkforce.org.
• Bring the hands-on experience: Whether it’s welding, machining, or metal casting, your expertise helps students see the possibilities in manufacturing.

“We need more champions like Joe,” Padnos added. “Currently, only a small fraction of students in Sparkforce camps experience metal casting. Imagine the impact if more NFFS members got involved.”

Benefits for Students, Parents, and Communities  

• Students gain early exposure to high-paying, in-demand manufacturing careers.
• Parents learn about viable career paths that may not be on their radar.
• Schools and hosts strengthen CTE programs and technical curricula.
• Manufacturers build local talent pipelines and connect with the next generation of skilled workers.
• Communities retain talent and bolster their local economy.
  
  

Watch the Video and Take Action

The Sparkforce Summer Manufacturing Camp webinar recording is now available on the NFFS YouTube Channel. It provides a comprehensive guide on how to engage, host, or support a camp, including real-world examples and tips from instructors like Joe Costabile.

Watch now and discover how your foundry can light the spark for future manufacturers.

By watching and participating, NFFS members can play a vital role in shaping the future workforce, ensuring that students across the country have hands-on exposure to manufacturing, and maybe even the excitement of melting metal for the first time.