Starting or building upon your Fab Lab might feel intimidating. But isn't it exciting, too? Here are some resources to ensure your Fab Lab is a success that will set your students on the right track with the tools they need.
Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program
The goal of the Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program is to support the growth of a talent pipeline in the state of Wisconsin through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The program is designed to support hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases used for instructional and educational purposes in fabrication laboratories in Wisconsin schools.
The open Fab Lab environment enables students to learn the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st-century global economy. Fab Labs may also serve as a local economic development tool, providing a resource for entrepreneurs, businesses and inventors through community access.
If you have any questions about the Fab Lab Grant Program, please contact the WEDC at 608-210-6700.
Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment Grant Program Announcement (GPA)
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) – Office of Skills Development (OSD) released an Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment Grant Program Announcement (GPA) under the Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) program.
The GPA's purpose is to reimburse Wisconsin school districts for the training of students for careers in advanced manufacturing. Through the grant, school districts are reimbursed for the purchase and installation costs of technical education equipment used in vocational training and technical education in advanced manufacturing fields. This includes the costs for equipment operation software and instructional materials to train students. Funds may also be used to pay for technical education building modifications to accommodate the equipment and to support advanced manufacturing technical education programs.
If you have any questions about the GPA, please contact OSD at 608-266-0851 or WisconsinFastForward@dwd.wisconsin.gov.