Contact: Representative Joel Kitchens (608) 266-5350
Madison—State Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) released the following statement after joining WEDC and local leaders for a Fab Lab announcement at Southern Door High School:
“I had the honor and privilege of joining the WEDC Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Aaron Hagar and local leaders yesterday as they visited Southern Door High School to announce grants that will allow Southern Door to start or expand fab labs. Fab Labs provides schools and students the ability to purchase equipment for instructional and educational purposes. These high-tech workshops are necessary to provide opportunities for our students to explore all career and educational options.”
The WEDC will be providing grants of up to $25,000 to individual school districts or $50,000 to groups of two or more school districts. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and demand is high. In the 2017-19 budget, Governor Walker proposes an additional $1 million in fab lab funding.
“I thank Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Kleefisch for the continued support and leadership on workforce issues. Providing schools the tools they need to create a more vibrant and effective workforce is crucial. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on ways we can prepare students for the workforce.”