On Tuesday, May 1, the State of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation awarded the School District of Elmbrook a $25,000 grant to create a Makerspace and Fabrication Lab or "Fab Lab" at Brookfield Central High School. The fab lab is a high-technology workshop equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components that gives students a space to design and create prototypes. These students will be able to see their projects come to life using robust technology in electronics, woodworking, metalworking, plasma cutting, textile photography and video production.

Principal Brett Gruetzmacher and Technology Educator Tom Juran were joined by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO, Mark R. Hogan, State Representative Rob Hutton, and WCTC Dean of Applied Technologies Michael Shiels, to celebrate the awarding of the grant, which captured a vision created by several Elmbrook educators led by Tom Juran.

"This Fab Lab serves as a historic moment in an educational renaissance," said Elmbrook Board of Education President, Kathryn Wilson. "It will allow for applied learning in the fields of science, technology, art, and mathematics that allows Elmbrook students to gain experiences that will advance them in their future career field."

Superintendent Mark Hansen received a signed proclamation from Governor Walker naming May 1 as Fab Lab Day in Wisconsin. The grant was awarded to Elmbrook in part for its innovative programming, such as LAUNCH. Twenty-two public schools across Wisconsin are set to receive a total of $504,863 in STEM lab grants this year.

Photos courtesy of Nirbhay Vig & Riley Tenhagen