The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the ninth year of its Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program, which provides funding to help public schools build or expand fab labs. The grant program supports hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases for instructional and educational purposes in fab labs.
WEDC will provide grants of up to $25,000 to public school districts, or up to $50,000 to consortiums of two or more districts, for the creation and/or expansion of fab labs. The minimum grant amount is $10,000.
The noncompetitive grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with applicants evaluated on application completeness, evidence of readiness and long-range planning, curriculum, business and community partnerships, financial need, and previous awards. Applications are due Jan. 13, 2025.
Applicants may only be awarded one grant per fiscal year. Applicants can receive a maximum of three grants over a program’s lifetime. The three-award limit does not apply to the following: Milwaukee Public Schools; the expansion of a Fab Lab to allow use by K–8 students; and the expansion of a Fab Lab to include artificial intelligence or related skills training.
For this year’s funding cycle, applicants are being asked to match 50% of the amount of grant funds requested. More information on the program, including guidelines, an FAQ, and application details, can be found here.
