By Rapids City Times staff

MADISON –The Wisconsin Rapids School District has been awarded a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant.

Governor Tony Evers and the WEDC announced that 20 school districts throughout the state have been awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to establish or expand local fabrication laboratory, or “fab lab”, facilities.

A fab lab is a high-technology workshop equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and plasma cutters. Through the Fab Labs Grant Program, the WEDC is supporting the purchase of fab lab equipment for instructional and educational purposes by elementary, middle, junior high, or high school students.

Through the program, the Wisconsin Rapids School District will receive $25,000 in grants, which requires matching funds.

WEDC received 56 applications, which were evaluated based on readiness and long-range planning, curriculum, business and community partnerships, financial need, and previous awards. The review committee consisted of representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and UW-Oshkosh, as well as three WEDC team members.

Governor Evers also declared May 13 as Fab Lab Day in Wisconsin.