FMA Foundation Rebrands as SparkForce to Inspire the Next Generation!

The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), the leading trade association for the metal fabrication industry, has announced a new name for its charitable foundation. Effective January 1, 2025, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs has been renamed SparkForce, The FMA Foundation.

The new name symbolizes FMA’s ongoing commitment to cultivating interest in manufacturing careers and addressing the industry’s labor shortage by inspiring the next generation. FMA President and CEO Ed Youdell explained, “Our mission is to spark young people’s interest in manufacturing careers, and today’s manufacturing industry is much more than nuts and bolts – it’s advanced, cutting-edge technology. The new SparkForce name shows how we’re intensifying our efforts to empower the next generation of manufacturers while establishing a much clearer connection with the FMA workforce lifecycle.”

Since its inception in 1990, the foundation has worked tirelessly to engage, nurture, and excite individuals of all ages about careers in manufacturing. SparkForce will continue to deliver impactful programs, including:

• Scholarships: Awarding over $1.6 million to students pursuing manufacturing-related degrees and certifications. Scholarships are granted twice yearly to high school graduates and returning students.
• Manufacturing Camps: Providing over $3.1 million in grant funding for summer manufacturing camps and inclusion camp programs. These initiatives, hosted at partner colleges, schools, and community organizations, have expanded significantly over the past 20 years.
• Inspiring Future Talent: In 2025, more than 5,000 youth and young adults are expected to attend SparkForce Camps, gaining exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and career pathways.

SparkForce’s mission is to address the labor crisis by showcasing the exciting and innovative opportunities within the manufacturing sector. Through scholarships, camps, and outreach programs, SparkForce ensures the industry continues to grow with a skilled and motivated workforce.

This rebranding signifies a fresh chapter in FMA’s efforts to shape the future of manufacturing while building on its legacy of supporting education, innovation, and workforce development.