Preparing Students for the Jobs of the Future

To help equip students with the job skills that an evolving global economy demands, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is again accepting applications for the Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program.

Now in its second round, the program supports hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases for fab labs. These high-tech educational workshops are equipped with 21^st-century computer-controlled manufacturing components, such as 3D printers and laser engravers.

The first round of awards was made in May 2016. While the 2015-17 state budget included $500,000 in funding, a total of 90 applications were submitted requesting over $2 million in funding. In response to this strong demand, WEDC added $100,000 to the budgeted amount, and ultimately provided 25 Wisconsin public school districts with up to $25,000 each in grant funding.

For the second round, WEDC is allocating $500,000 and anticipates awarding 20 grants. The application period is now open, with applications due by Thursday, Dec. 15.

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