Page 26 - TTWISpringSummer2025

26 ELECTRONIC EDITION: WWW.MANUFACTURINGTODAYWI.COM

Weyauwega-Fremont High School Enhances Fab Lab with

Major CNC Router Upgrade

projects, focusing on woodworking, furniture forward for Weyauwega-Fremont High School’s
building, cabinetry, and custom signage. The commitment to career and technical educa-
program helps students develop technical skills, tion. Our Industrial Arts department continues
craftsmanship, and problem-solving abilities that to evolve with the needs of students and the
are essential in skilled trades and manufacturing demands of today’s economy. By providing
careers. With this new upgrade, we can push the access to professional-grade tools and experi-
boundaries of creativity and capability, offering ences, we empower students to take pride in their
students a deeper understanding of digital fabri- work, explore their interests, and build skills that
cation and modern design techniques. matter.
This investment is not only about equip- With our upgraded Fab Lab, the future is
ment—it’s about giving students access to full of possibilities—for our students, our school,
cutting-edge tools that prepare them for the and our wider community.
future. As technology continues to transform the We believe that when students are given
workforce, our goal is to ensure students graduate access to the right tools and opportunities, they
with practical experience and confidence in using can exceed expectations and unlock their full
tools they are likely to encounter in post-second- potential. This investment in our Fab Lab is
ary programs or in the skilled trades. Whether more than just a purchase—it’s a commitment to
students are planning to enter a technical college, student growth, innovation, and career readiness.
pursue engineering, or explore entrepreneurship, We’re excited to watch our students take own-
Weyauwega-Fremont School District from a small-scale, introductory workspace into the Fab Lab experience helps them build a solid ership of their learning, think like designers and
With the Fab Lab Grant, Weyauwega- a professional-grade learning environment. The foundation. engineers, and create work they can be proud of.
Fremont High School is excited to purchase a 4' larger CNC router allows students to design and In addition, the expanded capabilities of our As we look ahead, Weyauwega-Fremont
x 8' Industrial CNC Router with a Rotary Axis fabricate projects such as full-size furniture, Fab Lab open the door to new community and High School remains dedicated to providing a
and Vacuum Hold Down system. This is a major detailed signage, and intricate woodworking cross-curricular opportunities. We envision col- modern, hands-on education that not only pre-
upgrade from our current 24" CNC router and pieces. The rotary axis adds the ability to create laborations with local businesses on real-world pares students for the workforce but also inspires
will greatly expand the opportunities available three-dimensional carvings and cylindrical work, projects, student-led fabrication of school or them to dream bigger, build better, and lead the
to students in our Industrial Arts program. With while the vacuum hold down system provides community signage, and even interdisciplinary way into the future.
this new equipment, students will be able to take safer, more efficient operation for large-scale projects that combine art, design, and technol-
on much larger and more complex projects, using materials. ogy. The lab serves as both an educational and
precision tools and technology that align with Our Industrial Arts program has long creative space, fostering innovation and collabo- wegafremont.k12.wi.us
current industry standards. emphasized hands-on, real-world learning. Stu- ration among students and staff.
This enhancement transforms our Fab Lab dents engage in a range of design and construction This grant represents a meaningful step

School District of Luck Awarded $25,000 Fab Lab Grant

technology, engi- opportunities that tie classroom knowledge to personalized gift items. This past fall, Custom
neering, art, and real world applications. For students, this grant Cardinal Creations developed an online store to
math (STEAM) will open doors to STEAM related skills and make it easier for the community to support their
by assisting public experiences that are vital in today’s workforce, student-led business. These grant funds will not
school districts while also fostering a deeper connection to the only allow the students to expand their business
with equipment community. by being able to carry a wider variety of items,
purchases such as The district’s goal is to have the fab lab but it will also continue to provide students real
3D printers, laser accessible to all students, faculty, and even com- world experiences that they can carry with them
engravers, com- munity members. They envision the lab being for years after high school.
puter numerical used for various purposes, including educational As a small rural district, Luck faces unique
control routers, workshops, community events, and as a resource challenges that include limited resources and
and plasma cutters for local entrepreneurs. Community access will fewer opportunities for hands-on learning and
for instructional be facilitated through an online reservation innovation.
and educational system, and training courses will be offered to However, they view these challenges as
purposes. ensure that individuals are comfortable using the opportunities to bridge the gap between educa-
Luck’s current equipment. They anticipate that the lab will be tion and the community, turning their fab lab
fab lab is centrally used for a wide range of activities, such as per- into a critical resource that can serve as a hub for
located within the sonal projects, professional development, and creativity, collaboration, and skill-building. The
4K–12th grade collaborative community initiatives. Addition- WEDC funding is vital to the continued success
School District of Luck school building, ally, the student Fab Lab team will play a key role and growth of the Luck fab lab and will make
On May 1st, Wisconsin’s governor and the ensuring accessibility for all students. Its design in assisting community users, helping to foster a a profound impact on the educational and eco-
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation encourages integration across grade levels, greater sense of connection between students and nomic future of the School District of Luck and
(WEDC) announced that the School District of allowing students to explore hands-on learning the broader community. the surrounding area.
Luck is a recipient of a $25,000 state grant to opportunities regardless of their age or subject In 2020, Custom Cardinal Creations was
fund new equipment and learning opportunities focus. With the WEDC grant, the district will be developed to give high school students real world
for their fabrication laboratory (fab lab). WEDC’s able to continue growing their fab lab, adding experience in starting and running a small busi-
Fab Labs Grant Program is designed to support new equipment like a UV Printer, expanding ness. The fab lab has allowed these students to www.lucksd.k12.wi.us
hands-on learning in the subjects of science, the curriculum, and offering more learning create apparel for sports teams, staff shirts, and