Scholarships

Each fall NYSDB awards three scholarships for up to one week of blacksmithing instruction at any approved blacksmithing school or with any approved instructor during the following calendar year.  Any NYSDB member is eligible.

  • One week-long tuition scholarship is donated to us by the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC.  NYSDB will cover the room and board to complete it.
  • Two week long scholarships are paid for by NYSDB and cover room, board, and tuition.

(Additional class time beyond one week is encouraged but must be paid for by the student.)b

Applications are to be received by the scholarship chairperson by September 1.  Winners will be announced by Oct. 1.

Upon being notified of a scholarship award the winner must:

  1. Formally accept or reject the grant within two weeks by email or mail to the scholarship chair.
  2. After accepting the grant, select a specific class, which we realize may take awhile if catalogs for the coming year have not been broadcast.
  3. Get approval of that choice by the scholarship chair.
  4. If awarded the JCCFS scholarship, await receipt from the scholarship chair of the JCCFS “Class Gift Certificate.”  JCCFS will be given your name.  Do not in any way send payment to JCCFS or you will void the grant, and they will not reimburse you.  Simply contact JCCFS and enroll in a class.
  5. If awarded a NYSDB scholarship, pay for tuition, room, and board.  After taking the class send your receipts and proof of having attended the class to the NYSDB treasurer (Harry Heuer, 6854 Boughton Rd., Victor, NY 14564; (585) 924-9627; heuerenterprises@ yahoo.com) for reimbursement.

By not reimbursing until after the class, NYSDB avoids having to deal with unattended classes and refunds.  If you are a scholarship winner and decide not to register for a class, please let us know promptly so that an alternate can be appointed.

To complete the scholarship process you are asked to share what you have learned from the sponsored class within twelve months after taking it, by:

  1. Making an item influenced by something you learned in the class.  Donate it to the NYSDB through Iron-in-the-Hat at an all-member meeting.
  2. Demonstrating at an NYSDB all-member meeting using what you have learned in the class.
  3. Writing an article about your class or project for The Anvil’s Chorus.  Please note: the article must be sent to the scholarship committee for review before you submit it to the newsletter editor.

Criteria for Awarding Scholarships:

  • Financial need (no documented proof necessary).
  • Service to NYSDB and a commitment to sharing your knowledge.
  • Talent for blacksmithing.
  • Youth and inexperience.
  • Desire to learn more to advance your skill level.
  • Commitment evidenced by pieces forged and access to forging equipment (owned, rented, or borrowed).
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Resume.
  • Kind of class and, if possible, specific instructor and class you wish to enroll in and why.
  • What classes or training have you been involved in?  What is your skill level?

Download the scholarship application (4) or use the form below:

New York State Designer Blacksmiths Scholarship Inquiry

(You must be a member to apply)

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Address (required)

Your Phone (required)

Please check which scholarship you are interested in:

 John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC. Tuition, room, and board for a one week class (Sunday to Saturday) donated by JCCFS. Expenses beyond one week to be paid by the student. Visit www.folkschool.org, the JCCFS website for additional details. A one week class at any approved school or with any approved instructor, tuition, room, and board paid by NYSDB. Expenses beyond one week to be paid by the student. A class, shorter than one week, at any approved school or with any approved instructor, room and board paid by NYSDB. A class less than one week long is less likely to be approved. Argue your case. Any one of the above.

Please attach a one page letter explaining why you want a scholarship and why NYSDB should give it to you.

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ABANA scholarships are also available for their members.  Check their web page, www.abana.org/resources/education for the particulars.

The Vance Baker Memorial Scholarship is also available for women.