NWBA member Rick Russel, in appreciation of the mentorship the NWBA and in support of our Mentoring Center, has funded a grant to foster the mentorship of young blacksmiths.
The grant is open to anyone 25 and under, or 30 and under if a veteran, and who is not currently a member (has never been a member or left the NWBA in good standing).
There are FIVE grants available. When they’re gone, they’re gone for the year.
The grant includes one year’s paid membership to the NWBA and covers the fee of three MentoringCcenter events during that year.
Candidates must fill out an application and sign the insurance waiver (or have their parent/guardian sign if a minor).
1. Each student will have an NWBA member mentor with him/her at all times during the session.
2. Each session would be by appointment to ensure a mentor is available. These appointments would be on scheduled event days, either open forge or demo days.
3. Each session would have a safety segment, and a suitable novice curriculum. I.E. using basic techniques to make tools and some fun project to use the tools on. The curriculum would serve to allow changes in mentors without the student losing time. It could be in the form of a checklist, checked off as each item is completed, and then they move on. Some may complete the 3 day curriculum, others not. If they are advanced the mentor could move them ahead on something new.
4. A parent or adult guardian must be present for students under the age of 18, as responsible oversight of the student.