PRESCOTT – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced last week that Prescott School District is the recipient of a state grant to fund new fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities, which will equip students with essential skills for the 21st century’s global economy. The district was awarded more than $36,000 to purchase additional equipment for its current fab lab.

“WEDC has invested over $3.4 million for the past six years to provide 95 school districts across the state with the equipment necessary to help students learn high-demand skills, including technology, manufacturing and engineering,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. Fab labs benefit students with important technology and career skills, and also benefit Wisconsin employers who will be able to find workers with the right skills to allow their companies to grow and thrive.

Prescott is among 28 school districts throughout the state that are being awarded a total of $635,089 in fab labs grants this year to establish or expand their fab labs.

'We're excited to have 21st century technology in our labs. These machines will help the Prescott School District complete more cross curricular activities that bridge STEAM curriculum,” said Kyle Schmidt, technology and engineering instructor.

He explained that in the next two to five years, more students will work with community members and focus on the idea of giving back by completing city beautification projects. The projects are challenging and take time, but the important part is they are student-lead.

“After taking our drafting class, we created a bench design in our free time for a community project. We are excited to see the Fab Lab help make it become a reality,' said Avery Partridge and Annika Fredricks.

WEDC’s Fab Labs Grant Program is designed to support hands-on learning in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers and plasma cutters for instructional and educational purposes.

Superintendent Rick Spicuzza added. 'I am so proud of our CTE Department and Kyle Schmidt for pursuing this grant. The cooperation between Teaching & Learning, principals, and administration is commendable. It further advances the school board's strategic direction and enhances opportunities for PSD students.'

Fab labs have the potential to benefit individual students, school districts, the surrounding community and Wisconsin’s economy as a whole. For more information, visit WEDC’s fab lab resource page or follow #WIFabLab on Twitter.

Photo courtesy of Prescott School District