CFAs: Fabrication Laboratories Grant Program (United States)

This learning environment enables students to learn the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century global economy. By helping to fund labs that school districts might not otherwise be able to afford, this program allows more K-12 students to receive direct experience with STEAM skills and ultimately leads to more graduates entering the workforce equipped with these skills. This program demonstrates that Wisconsin understands how important STEAM skills are to the business community as well as new companies seeking to locate here. Fab labs also serve a broader economic development purpose by acting as a resource for entrepreneurs, inventors, and businesses from their local areas thus sparking innovation in their surrounding communities.

Funding Information

• The minimum Fab Lab grant amount is $10,000.
• The maximum Fab Lab grant amount is $25,000 for individual school districts or up to $50,000 for consortium applications.

Eligible Costs

• Fab Lab grants can fund equipment and related software installation costs.

Ineligible Costs

• Activities ineligible for program assistance or match include, but are not limited to:
  • In-kind contributions.
  • Indirect construction costs (e.g., “soft” costs).

Eligibility Criteria

• Wisconsin public school districts and Tribal schools located in Wisconsin may apply for a grant to purchase equipment to be used for instructional and educational purposes in one or more fabrication laboratories by elementary, middle, junior, or high school students.
• Either a CESA, or a lead public school district, may apply on behalf of a consortium of two or more public school districts.

Review Criteria

• WEDC may take the following into account when considering a Fab Lab award:
  • Readiness and long-range planning.
  • Curriculum.
  • Business and community partnerships.
  • Financial need and previous awards.

For more information, visit Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.