STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Gov. Scott Walker continued his tour of school districts in the state with a stop Thursday in Three Lakes. Walker visited the school’s fabrication laboratory (fab lab) and spoke afterward on what his office is calling the state budget’s “historic $639 million increase” for K-12 education.

Teacher Mike Gorney, left, shows Gov. Walker products completed by students in the Fab Lab. At far right is TL school board member Terry McCloskey. Photo courtesy of Three Lakes School District.

“With new business pouring into the state, it is more important now than ever to foster and retain Wisconsin’s young talent,” said Governor Walker. “Our state budget increases support for career exploration programs, such as fab labs, which enable students to develop and hone the skills they need to be successful in today’s global economy. We know that by investing in our students’ success, we are also investing in Wisconsin’s future economic success.”

The Fab Lab Grants Program aims to prepare students for the workplace with high-technology workshops equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3-D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and plasma cutters. In these facilities, students use the equipment for instructional and educational purposes, gaining hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and math.

According to a press release from Walker’s office, the 2017-2019 biennial budget will include “more actual dollars for K-12 education than ever before in Wisconsin’s history.” The $639 million increase will go to support K-12 programs, including career exploration such as the Early College Credit program, Career and Technical Education grants, fab labs and others.