Page 8 - MTSummer2026

8 ELECTRONIC EDITION: WWW.MANUFACTURINGTODAYWI.COM

Highlights from the Fab Lab Grant Recipients

able to expand the experiences for our stu- trail markers for the school forest, and even
Fall River School District – dents because the software we currently use Whitnall School District – custom gears for the high school’s theater pro-
$25,000 for our CNC plasma table is the same that will $20,690 duction of Hamlet. The ultimate vision is to
be utilized with the new router. Additionally, launch a student-run custom shop, showcasing
As a result of the An exciting transforma-
immense support of our com- the purchase of the new router as a result of tion is underway at Whitnall the skills of these young makers directly to the
munity, the Fall River School the Fab Lab grant, will allow us to expand our Middle School. Thanks to local community.
District is currently in the con- curriculum in our buildings and trades course. a recent Fab Lab Grant, the The real power of this middle school
struction phase of a new CTE Students will have the capability to make state- school is bridging the gap program is how it connects with Whitnall
addition that will be up and running in the fall of-the-art cabinets and signs. By replicating between standard classroom learning and High School. By introducing advanced
of 2026. This state-of-the-art space will allow the workflows of Wisconsin manufacturers, modern industry. The goal was simple, to design software, 3D modeling, and workshop
our students to experience advanced technol- we are ensuring our students are not just learn- upgrade their lab spaces so students can get safety protocols early, the district is laying
ogy and industry-grade equipment in our labs. ing a trade but also understanding the business early, hands-on experience with high-tech the groundwork for student success. This
Beyond the traditional classroom learning, of manufacturing. equipment that directly mirrors the tools used proactive approach eliminates the steep learn-
the expansion creates vital opportunities for We recognize in Fall River that almost in modern engineering and manufacturing ing curve freshmen usually face. Instead of
students to design and manufacture products 2⁄3 of our students leave our high school and careers. spending ninth grade learning the basics of
for our community through our student-run enter directly into the trades, workforce, or At the center of this initiative was a new tool operations, Whitnall students can now
business, Pirate Fabrication and Design. military. Our goal is to provide the best pos- Epilog laser engraver. This piece of equip- walk into the high school lab ready to dive
With the money awarded to us from the sible work-based opportunities through our ment arrived just before spring break, and into complex, real-world projects on day one.
WEDC Fab Lab grant, we will be purchasing CTE programming to ensure that our students the impact has been immediate. Already, 100 With the fundamentals already covered, high
a CNC router with an automatic tool changer find success in their post-high school endeav- students have learned how to set up digital schoolers can focus on earning major, resume-
and a vacuum table to minimize setup times ors. We are incredibly grateful to the WEDC artboards and operate the machinery. By the boosting credentials from industry leaders
and maximize safety and efficiency, which and our local community for investing in our end of the school year, every seventh and like Autodesk and the Fab Academy. Backed
teaches students modern manufacturing prin- youth, and we welcome industry partners to eighth grader enrolled in the Manufacturing & by strong partnerships with local businesses,
ciples. Having this machine in our shop will collaborate with us as we train the next gen- Engineering and Building Trades classes will Whitnall is turning elective classes into a pow-
allow us to expand the CNC capabilities for eration of Wisconsin’s skilled workforce. have direct experience running it. Currently, erful professional pipeline, preparing students
our manufacturing and building trades path- Building Trades students are using the laser to for great, high-paying careers right here in our
ways. Students will now have the precision construct precise architectural models, master- regional economy.
tools required to engineer unique and cus- fallriver.k12.wi.us ing blueprint scales, basic building codes, and
tomized projects made from woods, plastics, digital CAD design assembly along the way.
e-panel, and much, much more. We will be But the work isn’t just staying inside the www.whitnall.com
classroom. Students have already used the
laser to craft parking signs for Veterans Day,

W
We invite your e invite your
co
contributions! ntributions! T TEACHINGEACHING
T WI ™
TODAYODAY
WI
We invite you to submit articles, sharing what’s
happening in your schools. Our next issue will focus on
all things tech-ed:
This grant will help purchase a new laser
Lake Mills Area School printer so students can engrave their own   Agriculture   Energy/Electricity
District – $11,710 designs. The school hopes to continue growing
the Fab Lab with even more technology.   Automotive   Manufacturing
The Lake Mills Area School District Thanks to educator Nate Grundahl,
features active Fabrication Laboratories LMMS students are not only learning cut-   Construction   Welding
(Fab Labs) at the middle and high schools, ting-edge technology and engineering skills,
focusing on STEAM education. These cut- but also building empathy, compassion, and Do you have a student-run business? If so, we welcome
ting-edge workspaces are equipped with a spirit of service. your students to write a promotional/descriptive article
computer-controlled tools like 3D printers, We’re proud to support the next gener-
CNC routers, and laser engravers to provide ation of innovators right here in Lake Mills! about the business. Good PR practice for them and to
hands-on career and technical training. - LMACF get the word out about the business and its products!
In addition to the recent WDEC grant, the
district also recently received a $5,000 grant Please contact:
from the Lake Mills Area Community Foun- Andria: andria@teachingtodaywi.com | 715-360-4875
dation (LMACF) to boost technology and lakemills.k12.wi.us
engineering programs at the middle school. Renee: renee@teachingtodaywi.com | 715-839-7074