Like most of you in the Madison Region, we spend a lot of time in discussions and planning around the COVID-19 pandemic. That is commanding our attention now, but we are also actively engaged in planning for "what's next." Our Region has demonstrated agricultural, tech, healthcare and manufacturing resources with an amazing ability to innovate. When we think about, "what's next," a top priority is making sure the next generation of Wisconsinites is ready jump into those industries and keep innovating.
That's why we're always so excited for Wisconsin Fab Lab Day (even when the events are virtual). What's Fab Lab Day? This year, on May 1, 2020, Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced that 31 school districts throughout the state have been awarded a total of more than $690,000 in grants to establish or expand local fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities.
Three of those awards are right here in the Madison Region! Congratulations to the School District of Beloit Turner, the School District of Poynette and Waupun Area School District. Poynette's new fab lab will join the eight already built or in process in the Madison Region. Beloit and Waupun had previously received awards and will be using their funds to expand their current facilities. As we look towards the future, facilities like these are crucial to cultivating the STEM talent we will need for years to come.
