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Onalaska schools receive $25,000 grant for Fab Lab

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 Fab lab will be open to community members within the next two years

A $25,000 grant has been awarded from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to the Onalaska School District to construct a “Fab Lab”, a small scale workshop with digital equipment including laser printers and 3D engravers.

The district previously failed to receive a grant last year, the first opportunity it was available. 

A fab lab is designed to utilize science, engineering, technology and math to prepare students for manufacturing jobs.

Onalaska was one of 21 districts to get the grant, out of 69 schools that applied.

“They already had established the direction in which they were willing to commit, they were willing to march,” Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleifisch said during the presentation at Onalaska High School. “They said, ‘This is where we’re going to call our shot.’

“We’re happy to buttress an effort like that.”

Onalaska High School principal Jared Schaffner says a recent visit to a local employer was an eye opener

“He showed us the level of critical thinking, the amount of adjustments, the amount of making a process work for all of his employees in the plant that day,” Schaffner said. “That’s what we’re concerned about, making sure that when students leave here, they have the foundation for being able to be employable.” 

 

 

Born in Decorah Iowa. I've been a news reporter for the last 10 years, starting right out of college in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Other professional opportunities led me to Marshalltown, Iowa and Antigo Wisconsin, before I finally was afforded the opportunity here in La Crosse. I've been here since 2016. I also act as the voice of local sports, doing play by play of high school and college football and basketball. When not working I enjoy golfing.

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