NFFS Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

Investing in Your People:
Nominating an Incumbent Worker for the
Mary & Louis Iannettoni Memorial NFFS Scholarship

The deadline is approaching for nominations for the Mary & Louis Iannettoni Memorial NFFS Scholarship, and NFFS members are encouraged to consider a group of candidates who often represent some of the most valuable talent in a foundry: your current employees who are choosing to go back to school to improve their skills.

Across the metalcasting industry, more employees are enrolling in college courses, technical programs, certifications, or continuing education to strengthen their knowledge and contribute at a higher level within their organizations. These individuals are not just learning for themselves. They are investing in becoming better operators, supervisors, technicians, engineers, and leaders for the companies they serve.

The Value of an Employee Who Chooses to Upskill

When an employee decides to return to school while working in a foundry, it demonstrates something powerful: initiative, commitment, and a long-term mindset.

These employees are choosing to improve their understanding of processes, metallurgy, quality systems, safety practices, automation, and leadership. As they gain new knowledge, they bring those insights directly back to the shop floor.

The benefits to the foundry can be significant:

• Improved operational performance as employees apply new technical knowledge to real production challenges
• Stronger problem-solving capabilities when employees understand both theory and practical application
• Increased internal leadership capacity as employees grow into supervisory or technical roles
• Higher retention and engagement from employees who see a clear path for growth within the company

In many cases, the employees who take the initiative to continue their education become some of the most valuable contributors to a company’s long-term success.

A Simple Way to Show Support

Supporting an employee’s educational journey does not always require large investments. Sometimes the most meaningful action a company can take is simply recognizing the effort and helping open a door of opportunity.

By nominating an employee for the Mary & Louis Iannettoni Memorial NFFS Scholarship, member companies demonstrate that they value the employee’s commitment to growth and development.

Helping an employee apply for the scholarship sends a clear message:

• We see your effort.
• We believe in your potential.
• And we support your commitment to becoming better at your craft.

That recognition alone can have a powerful impact on employee morale and loyalty.

Strengthening the Culture of Continuous Improvement

Foundries that succeed in the future will be those that invest not only in equipment and technology, but also in the development of their people.

Encouraging employees to pursue education and professional development creates a culture where learning, improvement, and innovation are valued. When employees see their peers supported in these efforts, it reinforces the idea that the organization is committed to helping its workforce grow.

The Mary & Louis Iannettoni Memorial NFFS Scholarship provides a meaningful way for companies to reinforce that culture.

Make the Nomination

NFFS member companies are encouraged to look within their own organizations for employees who are taking the initiative to strengthen their skills through education. A nomination takes only a small amount of time, but it can have a lasting impact on an individual’s career.

Whether the candidate is pursuing coursework in engineering, metallurgy, manufacturing technology, leadership, or other related fields, your support can help them continue their journey.

Supporting an employee who is committed to learning is more than a scholarship nomination.
It is an investment in the future of your company and the future of the metalcasting industry.

The nomination deadline is approaching. NFFS members are encouraged to submit their candidates soon.