The Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) is partnering with the Blue Ocean Student Pitch Competition––the alliance will help high school students interested in entrepreneurship learn more about metalcasting by creating an innovative pitch that focuses on foundry challenges in the 21st century. 

High school students will create a video pitch (up to five minutes) that defines a unique solution to a problem facing the metalcasting industry or describes a new idea to improve productivity, quality or the safety of a foundry. Participation in the competition gives students an opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit, develop relationships with leaders in the manufacturing industry, and add more substance to their college applications.

“This effort by FEF to promote the industry at the high school level will encourage more students to consider educational opportunities that culminate in a career in metalcasting,” said Brian Lewis, executive director of FEF. 

Pitches will be judged by professionals in the metalcasting industry and the winner will receive a $1,000 prize from FEF. Both individuals and teams of five or less can enter the contest.

“We are pleased to partner with FEF,” said Ted Dacko, executive director of the competition and CEO at Arbor Dakota, a business management consultancy. “Having high school students pitch ideas in metalcasting will create new, exciting and Blue Ocean ideas that can trigger critical improvements in the industry.”

The deadline to submit video pitches is Feb. 19, 2021. Additional details about the competition, including free registration, can be found at blueoceancompetition.org. The winner will be announced on April 21.