METAL workforce training specialist Ralph Workman joined 24 Scouting America scouts from Michigan, Ohio and Rochester, New York at Kent State University for a metallurgy workshop.
The event, hosted by the American Foundry Society and the Lake Erie Council’s annual program, sought to spark interest in metallurgy through an experience that culminated in earning the Scouting America Metal Merit badge.
Earning the badge is a challenging achievement that requires hands-on experience in a foundry environment. Kent State University is one of only 25 colleges and universities in the United States that are accredited by the American Foundry Society to offer the program.
Scouts must demonstrate a deep understanding of metalworking safety, materials, and techniques—including the differences between ferrous and nonferrous alloys, how to harden and anneal metal, and how to identify career paths in the field. Most importantly, they must choose one of four advanced tracks—Sheet Metal Mechanic, Silversmith, Founder, or Blacksmith—and complete detailed projects that involve bending, joining, forging, or casting metal components.
At Kent State, scouts got a rare opportunity to melt metal in a real induction furnace, bringing their textbook knowledge to life in a dynamic lab environment.
During the workshop, Workman talked to scouts about online and in-person training opportunities in metallurgy.
“We showed a video from a Penn State bootcamp, just to give an idea of what kind of opportunities are out there to work with metal and what they can do moving forward if they’re interested,” Workman said.
A number of participants showed interest in exploring metallurgy as a career opportunity in the future, according to Workman.
Big thanks to Kent State University, the American Foundry Society and all the scouts who showed such passion and curiosity. We’re excited to see where your journeys take you!
METAL K-12 Initiatives
METAL is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators by introducing K–12 students to the exciting world of metallurgy. Through hands-on, age-appropriate workshops, METAL aims to spark curiosity in metalcasting and forging while connecting students with real-world STEM applications and career pathways often overlooked in traditional education. Our K–12 programs are designed to be both educational and fun, offering students a chance to explore the science behind metals in a memorable, interactive way.
Highlights include miniature foundry experiences where students cast their own small metal objects using safe, low-temperature alloys, as well as forging activities with malleable materials. These engaging experiences allow students to add a personal touch by choosing their own shapes, while learning key concepts in metallurgy and manufacturing.
METAL also proudly supports STEM fairs, encouraging young learners to dive deeper into the world of materials science.