Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, announced in a press release today that 18 Wisconsin school districts will receive more than $493,000 in “fab lab” grants to train students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) skills and prepare them for careers using advanced technologies.
A fab lab, short for fabrication laboratory, is a high-technology workshop equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and plasma cutters. Since WEDC’s Fab Labs Grant program’s inception in 2016, WEDC has awarded 211 grants totaling more than $5 million to 125 school districts across the state.
Among the grant recipients are Dane County’s Deerfield Community School District with $25,000 and DeForest Area School District with $25,000. Both were first-time awardees.
To receive a grant, districts must provide matching funds equal to half of the award. As a result, the schools and the state this year will invest at least $750,000 in STEAM education in K–12 schools.
