WEDC grant brings new technology to Washington High School
Media Contact: Andy Nelson, Media Manager | Office: (414) 475-8675 | Email: nelsonai@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Milwaukee Public Schools will unveil a new digital fabrication laboratory, known as a “fab lab,” aimed at exposing students to high-level technology that develops creativity and innovation. Fab Labs are small workshops equipped with high-tech, computer-controlled technology that allows the creation of a wide array of 3-D items such as a model of a house or wooden display sign.
The equipment at Washington High School of Information Technology was purchased using a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
Equipment includes:
-Two vinyl cutters
-Three 3-D-printers
-A computer numerical control mill
-A 3-D scanner
-A laser engraver, plus the computers to run each of them
WHERE:
Washington High School, 2525 North Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53210
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 19th at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Incorporating Fab Labs into educational programs of study has been shown to increase student engagement by providing hands-on opportunities to solve real world problems. In Fab Labs, students learn because they want to, they develop technical skill that builds pride in mastery, improves teamwork, teaches critical thinking, persistence and other 21st Century employability skills. MPS plans to create more Fab Labs within the district.
Milwaukee Public Schools is charged with ensuring children are educated and well prepared when they graduate. The education-speak term is being “college and career ready,” but the mission is simple: MPS must prepare Milwaukee’s young people so they can make good decisions and forge a bright future.
