JOHNSTOWN, PA — The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), headquartered in Johnstown, PA, partnered with the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania (GSWPA) Service Unit 4651 to bring the Casting Dreams program to local scout troops. Nearly 50 Girl Scouts from across the region attended the event held on January 18 at the Made in Johnstown Makerspace. Casting Dreams is a program created by the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA) dedicated to providing educational opportunities and industry connections in casting design and production.
Heather Kmetz, EWD Project Engineer at NCDMM, emphasized that the competition is designed to raise awareness, foster innovation, and introduce youth to careers in advanced manufacturing technologies through educational outreach.
“The children displayed enthusiasm while participating, showing a strong interest in casting, with many admitting they were previously unfamiliar with the concept,” Kmetz stated. “It’s essential for young individuals to be introduced to career pathways beyond their usual experiences. They need to learn about alternative careers that are both engaging and rewarding. Many were unaware that lucrative career opportunities exist within the manufacturing community.”
During the event, participants engaged in hands-on activities, including the creation and design of unique sandcasting molds while observing the entire process. This immersive experience familiarized them with the principles of casting and forging and sparked interest in potential future careers within the field. A panel of judges evaluated the final castings with cash prizes awarded to winners including Addilyn Savering (first place – pictured center), Arianna Jani (second place – pictured left), and Maria Taranto (third place – pictured right).
“NCDMM recognizes that today’s students are the future leaders and innovators in technology development,” stated Jim Fisher, COO at NCDMM. “This program represents a crucial step in equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in the casting and forging industry. By engaging students in practical, hands-on experiences, we are not only fostering their interest in advanced manufacturing but also preparing them to be the driving force behind future technological advancements. We aim is to create a strong pipeline of talent that will continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the advanced manufacturing sector.”
NCDMM and GSWPA extend thanks to Jerry Thiel, Director of Casting Dreams, for his support of the event. We also express our gratitude to Humtown Products, a global leader in 3D sand printing innovation and mold manufacturing based in Youngstown, OH, for generously donating 3D-printed scratch molds, as well as Made in Johnstown for providing their space for the event.
To learn more about Casting Dreams, visit www.castingdreams.org.
Photo Credit: Heather Kmetz, NCDMM