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MANUFACTURING TODAY WI | SUMMER 2026 7

Highlights from the Fab Lab Grant Recipients

production. While the lab’s first phase estab- Lab invites students to design, assemble, and tractive tools and programmable electronics,
lished a foundation in 3D modeling, this latest program UAVs, integrating physics and engi- Alma is providing students of all ages with
expansion introduces a powerful suite of neering into a flight-based environment. The more than just theoretical knowledge. They are
equipment that moves students beyond basic addition of the UAV’s was a perfect comple- gaining mastery over the exact hardware and
prototyping and into the realms of precision ment to our onsite Students In Aviation (SIA) software used in modern industry. Supported
subtractive manufacturing and autonomous flight simulator. To further ensure a continuous by the WEDC, the school board, and local
systems. learning pathway, the district has invested in partners, the Alma Fab Lab has become a high-
A centerpiece of this expansion is the a suite of scalable robotics systems, includ- energy environment where rural students have
addition of two Next Wave CNC machines; ing VEX EXP bundles and Parallax Micro:Bit direct access to the future of automation and
the Shark HD 544 and the Shark HD 510 Plus. packs. These resources, paired with BitMaker engineering, proving that world-class innova-
These industrial-grade tools allow students to Grove expansion boards and programmable tion can thrive right here in Buffalo County.
fabricate large-scale, high-precision projects, robot cars, allow students as young as third
complemented by a 3D Digitizing Probe Kit grade to explore logic and automation, build-
for scanning and replicating physical objects. ing the foundational skills necessary for the
To further diversify their production capabili- advanced manufacturing workforce. www.alma.k12.wi.us
ties, the district has integrated a Full Spectrum By investing in this specific array of sub-
Alma School District – Laser Rotary Chuck, enabling 360-degree
engraving on cylindrical surfaces. Another
$25,000 key expansion was the addition of newer
The Alma School District, nestled Bambu 3D printers, in particular, three print- This grant also reflects the growing rec-
between the bluffs and the Mississippi River in ers that offer multi-toolhead capabilities. School District of ognition of the importance of skilled trades
Buffalo County, is proving that small rural dis- These advanced printers introduce multi- Arcadia – $25,000 and vocational education in today’s economy.
tricts can be powerhouses of modern technical material, large-scale additive manufacturing The Arcadia School Careers in welding, automotive technology,
education. Following the successful launch at higher efficiencies, in-turn allowing stu- District is proud to cel- and related fields offer students pathways to
of its initial Fabrication Laboratory in 2025, dents to create more complex parts that were ebrate the receipt of a generous grant that stable, rewarding employment while helping
the district is now utilizing a second transfor- previously impossible to produce onsite. will strengthen and expand opportunities meet critical workforce needs throughout the
mative grant from the Wisconsin Economic Beyond fabrication, the grant has within our Career and Technical Education region.
Development Corporation (WEDC) to bridge launched a comprehensive robotics and aero- (CTE) program. These funds will allow the The Arcadia School District extends
the gap between digital design and industrial space curriculum. The new MINDS-I Drone district to purchase much-needed equipment sincere appreciation to the foundation and
for both the welding and automotive instruc- supporters who made this grant possible.
tional areas, helping ensure that students have Their investment in our students and pro-
access to modern tools and hands-on learn- grams will have a lasting impact for years
ing experiences that reflect current industry to come. Through partnerships like these,
standards. This investment represents an Arcadia will continue to provide high-quality
important step forward in preparing students Career and Technical Education opportuni-
for successful careers in the skilled trades and ties that empower students to discover their
technical workforce. strengths, pursue their passions, and contrib-
Many Arcadia students thrive in hands- ute positively to their communities.
on, collaborative learning environments where
they can see the direct results of their work.
By expanding these opportunities, the district arcadia.k12.wi.us
continues to honor the strong work ethic and
community values that are deeply rooted in
Arcadia families and the surrounding area.

JOIN AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM Kewaunee School District – cision layout make it the perfect platform

• Exceptional Wages • Flexible Scheduling $25,000 for accurate, safe, and creative metalwork.
Our welding program and STORM Manu-
• Industry-Leading Benefits • Air-Conditioned Shop In addition to the facturing classes focus on developing both
skill and confidence. With this new equip-
• Paid Time Off • Tuition Reimbursement recent WEDC grant for ment, students are already working on
the district’s Fab Lab
facilities, local support exciting projects like smoking racks for a
made it possible for the local fish market, bike racks for the City
district to purchase a brand-new Welding of Kewaunee, and many other small struc-
Fab Table last fall. tural frames. Each project helps them apply
“This addition to our welding lab has classroom learning to real-world applica-
already made a huge impact. The Fab Table tions while understanding the importance of
gives our students the chance to practice craftsmanship and teamwork.”
precision fabrication, refine their welding
techniques, and experience the kind of setup
they’ll encounter in professional shops. Its kewaunee.k12.wi.us
sturdy design, adjustable fixtures, and pre-