School District of Belleville among 25 statewide fab lab grant recipients  

Gov. Evers, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, shared in a press release today that 25 schools around the state will receive more than $560,000 in fabrication laboratory (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 is a high-tech workshop equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and plasma cutters. Through its Fab Lab Grant Program, WEDC is supporting the purchase of fab lab equipment for instructional and educational purposes for K–12 students across the state.  

Among the grant recipients is the School District of Belleville, set to receive $16,600. Individual school districts were eligible for up to $25,000, and consortiums of two or more districts were eligible for up to $50,000. The program requires matching funds from each district. WEDC received 25 applications this year, and grants were awarded on a non-competitive, first-come, first-served basis. 

WEDC has invested more than $4.5 million over the past eight years to provide 118 schools across the state with the equipment necessary to help students learn high-demand skills, including technology, manufacturing, and engineering.