NFPA members within the Mid-Atlantic region have several opportunities to hep shape the next generation of fluid power talent at our latest Fast Track Hub – Northampton Community College (NCC), located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. These in-person events are ways to make an immediate impact on middle and high school students to understand the variety of career paths in fluid power and get inspired by NFPA industry leaders. Plus, NFPA members can build relationships with local schools and leverage NCC career development programs to recruit talent in the Lehigh Valley area.
There are 3 key events in Spring 2026 for NFPA members to engage and volunteer:
- Discover Fluid Power Day: Friday, January 16, 2026 (9am - 2pm ET)
- This opportunity is a field trip event for local high school students to visit NCC's Bethlehem campus and tour labs, meet faculty and NFPA members, explore careers in fluid power, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
- The day includes lunch, networking time, and ability for NFPA member companies to participate in a brief panel discussion about fluid power.
- NFPA is looking for 3 member companies to participate!
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- Fluid Power Action Challenge:
Hosted by NCC and sponsored by HYDAC, this popular NFPA program introduces teams of middle and high school students to fluid power fundamentals through a hands-on kit build and STEM-based design challenge, delivered across two activity-filled dates:
- Workshop Day: Friday, March 13, 2026 (approximately 6 - 7 hours) - this day includes introduction to fluid power, building pneumatic devices (kit builds), lunch, and a review of challenge information and judging criteria.
- Challenge Day: Friday, May 15, 2026 (approximately 6 - 7 hours) - teams return this day to re-construct their final working prototypes, showcase their portfolio, machine build, safety, and performance skills to judges by using a competition board. Lunch is included.
- NFPA is looking for 3 member companies in the area to help volunteer and judge with the Action Challenge!
In addition, NFPA members are welcome to serve as speakers for local schools or host facility tours for students to learn more about the fluid power industry.
Why your company should engage:
- Connect and inspire the next generation of fluid power industry talent
- Engage with educators and technical career resources
- Build early awareness of fluid power career paths
Ready to participate? Reach out to Erin Bauer at ebauer@nfpa.com to sign up and receive more details.