Sign up to participate in the 3M Clash of the Grinders: Educator Championship 2026

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    Join the next evolution of the 3M Clash of the Grinders. Now redesigned as a national, educator‑focused championship, this program highlights the instructors who are shaping the future of welding and fabrication. The 2026 Championship celebrates educator expertise, strengthens the metalworking community, and connects instructors nationwide through a new competition and content series featured on the @3MAbrasives YouTube channel.

    Participants will take on advanced metalworking challenges for the opportunity to earn national recognition and the 2026 grand prize.

    Call for Applications

    Submission period: April 21st, 2026 through midnight Central Time (CT) July 1st, 2026

    Competition Dates

    • Preliminary Rounds: August–September 2026
    • Locations: Determined based on participant locations
    • Final Competition at FABTECH: October 21, 2026

    Interested educators should complete the Request Form on the right to receive the Application Form. Applications will be reviewed, and selected participants will be contacted by July 15th, 2026.

    How to apply

    • Submit the Request Form on this page.

      • Who should apply

      • Welding and fabrication instructors from accredited technical or vocational programs.
      • See full eligibility requirements in the Official Rules.

        • By entering the championship, each participant fully and unconditionally agrees to and accepts the Official Rules of the 3M Clash of the Grinders Educator Championship, the information provided by 3M Company (the “Sponsor”), and the decisions of the Sponsor and its authorized representatives.

        Click here for the Official Rules

        3M Clash of the Grinders: Educator Championship 2026 is made possible in partnership with NC3, Weld.com, and Airgas.

        Watch previous Clash of the Grinders competitions on YouTube @3MAbrasives .

        Follow us for updates @3MAbrasives on Instagram or 3M.com/3MClash


Class of 2026: Sign up to Stay Informed

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Thank you for your submission.

We appreciate your interest and will review your information shortly. If you are selected, a 3M representative will contact you with next steps by July 15.

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