Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced Thursday, May 1, 2025, that Elkhorn Area Middle School is the recipient of a $25,000 state grant to fund new Fabrication Laboratory (fab lab) facilities, which will equip Wisconsin students with essential skills for the 21st century's global economy.
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.
The Fab Lab at EAMS aims to provide hands-on introductory Career and Technical Education (CTE) learning experiences at a younger age to boost participation and interest, particularly among female and minority students. The long-term goal is to increase CTE certifications at the high school level, enabling more students to obtain industry-recognized credentials and Youth Apprenticeships at Elkhorn Area High School.
"EAMS is grateful to the WEDC for the opportunity and their ongoing commitment to innovation in our schools. Our grant writing team deserves our utmost gratitude for making this possible. Expanding the opportunities in our Fab Lab will accelerate our ability to foster creativity in our students and create additional opportunities to partner with our local business partners," said Ryan McBurney, Principal of Elkhorn Area Middle School.
"Fab Labs provide students throughout Wisconsin with access to high-tech equipment for hands-on experience and training necessary to prepare them for the jobs of the future," Governor Tony Evers said.
"We are pleased to award more than $496,000 to 20 school districts today so they can establish or expand their fab lab programs," Governor Evers said. "These great spaces for learning are of enormous benefit to students directly, of course, but also their communities by fostering collaboration, bolstering access to technology, encouraging innovation, and inspiring the next generation of leaders."
"WEDC has invested over $5.5 million over the past 10 years to 133 school districts across the state, funding for 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 the students themselves with important technology and career skills, as well as Wisconsin employers, who will be able to find workers with the right skills to allow their companies to grow and thrive," Secretary Hughes said.
Including Elkhorn Area School District, 20 school districts throughout the state are being awarded over $496,000 in Fab Lab grants this year to establish or expand their Fab Labs.
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.
###
About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities, and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit wedc.org to learn more.