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WISCONSIN’S 4K–12 EDUCATION CONNECTION SINCE 1997 ™ CONNECTING & EXPLORING MANUFACTURING IN WISCONSIN t

Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Honors Out- DeForest Area School District
standing Wisconsin Educators With 2025 Awards Expands Fab Lab with State Grant

DeForest Area School District
The Governor and the
Wisconsin Economic Devel-
opment Corporation (WEDC)
have announced a significant
investment in DeForest Area
School District’s (DASD)
fabrication laboratory (fab
lab) facilities. This initiative,
funded by a $25,000 state grant,
aims to enhance educational
opportunities for students by
integrating advanced technol-
The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Philanthropies. “He challenged us to continue ogy into the curriculum.
proudly announces the 114 Wisconsin teachers celebrating and investing in educators who The grant will primarily
and administrators selected as recipients of its shape the future. By recognizing their hard be used to upgrade DASD’s
2025 Teacher Fellowship and Principal Lead- work, achievements, and service, we hope to existing Fab Lab, located at
ership awards. These distinguished educators honor their impact, elevate their contributions DeForest Middle School, with
are being recognized for their exceptional within their communities, and inspire future state-of-the-art equipment tai-
leadership, dedication to students, and com- generations to follow in their footsteps.” lored to meet growing student
mitment to educational excellence. Award recipients are selected by a state- demand and foster interest
This year, 100 teachers will receive wide committee composed of civic leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer- systems and engineering challenges.
Teacher Fellowship awards of $6,000 in honor and representatives of education-related asso- ing, and Mathematics) fields. Plans include One of the innovative features funded by
of their ability to inspire a love of learning, ciations and the program’s co-sponsors: The the acquisition of additional CNC machines, the grant is the acquisition of digital signage.
motivate students, and lead both inside and Wisconsin Newspaper Association Founda- a laser engraver, scroll saws, and 3D print- These displays will be strategically placed
outside the classroom. Additionally, 14 princi- tion, the Wisconsin Department of Public ers, which will significantly expand the lab’s throughout the school hallways to showcase
pals will be honored with Principal Leadership Instruction, regional Cooperative Educational capacity to accommodate hands-on learning student STEM projects and achievements,
awards of $6,000 for their efforts in setting Service Agencies (CESA), and the Association experiences. thereby promoting a culture of excellence and
high standards for instruction, achievement, of Wisconsin School Administrators. In addition to equipment upgrades, celebrating student success.
and character while fostering a positive and The Kohl Foundation award program the grant will support the expansion of Danielle Stieber, STEM teacher at DeFor-
impactful school environment. Each recipi- was established by Herb Kohl, former U.S. Robotics resources within the school dis- est Area Middle School and the educator who
ent’s school will also receive a matching grant senator, philanthropist, and businessman who trict. This includes procuring another set applied for and oversees the program, shared
of $6,000 to further support student learning died December 27, 2023. Since 1990, the of V5 equipment for a second Robotics her excitement about the grant’s impact:
and school initiatives. foundation has awarded over $40 million to class and providing additional V5 brains “Our Fab Lab has become a space where
“Part of Herb Kohl’s lasting legacy is his Wisconsin educators, principals, students, and and remote controls for the Robotics Club. students develop real-world problem-solving
unwavering support for the profession that schools. These enhancements will not only bolster the and technical skills. With this grant, we can
makes all others possible—education,” said Robotics program but also encourage student
JoAnne Anton, President & CEO of Herb Kohl participation and innovation in autonomous
Continued on Page 16 Continued on Page 28

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