Butternut School awarded $22K fab lab grant

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced April 30 that Butternut School District was awarded a $22,000 state grant to fund a fabrication laboratory (fab lab), to teach essential skills for 21st century learning in a global economy.

“Having been deeply involved with the implementation of a cutting-edge Fab Lab in a previous school district, I can attest to the fact that the opportunities provided through this grant program will be an absolute game-changer for our students, staff members, and community,” said Butternut School District Superintendent Benjamin Heninger.

The Butternut School District grant was part of $493,000 that was awarded to 18 school districts to establish or expand existing fab lab programs, according to Gov. Tony Evers in the state press release. Fab labs provide students throughout with access to high-tech equipment for hands-on experience and training necessary to prepare them for the jobs of the future.

“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,” Evers said.

The 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, according to WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. WEDC invested over $5 million over nine years with 211 grants to 125 school districts.

“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,” Hughes said.