The American Welding Society was founded in 1919 to help keep the United States Competitive in an ever-changing industrial world. Since it was founded, it has grown to over 50,000 members from all over the world. The AWS helps to set standards in welding procedures, welding supplies, qualifications for welders, inspection procedures and standards of education in the welding field. The Beaver Valley Student Chapter was organized in 1989 as a partnership with the Community College of Beaver County’s welding program. The Beaver Valley Student Chapter is part of the Pittsburgh section of AWS. The Student Chapter annually elects officers, competes at the Pittsburgh’s Section’s Weld-Off competition, attends technical meetings, and takes part in the annual Student Day activities.