New MPS labs to help students with STEM
The GE Foundation and Milwaukee Public Schools announced Wednesday the creation of digital fabrication labs in six schools to help students with science and technology education.
Each lab will be at least 1,000 square feet and feature a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, multiple 3D printers, CNC router, graphic design software, soldering station, multiple types of saws, and sanders, according to an MPS announcement.
Construction is set to begin in a few weeks and is scheduled to be completed by the time students return to school this fall.
The labs will be in six middle schools: Andrew Douglas, Wedgewood Park International, Audubon Technology and Communication, Hayes Bilingual, George Washington Carver Academy of Math and Science, and Rufus King International.
Students can learn, create, play and invent, utilizing problem-solving and teamwork skills and tools, according to MPS. The labs are the final phase of the GE Foundation grant given to MPS in 2011.
The $20.4 million grant was the largest single corporate contribution to MPS and was broken into three phases. The first focused on implementing Common Core state standards and practices; the second emphasized college and career readiness.
“We’re excited to have our young people get started and get rolling with this particular piece because this is going to help us transfer learning experiences from post secondary life and post secondary experiences,” MPS Superintendent Keith Posley said.
The total cost of the labs, including educator training, equipment, space and sustaining the labs for three years, is expected to be $1.8 million — all funded by the foundation.
Executive Director of the GE Foundation, David Barash, said GE continues to be committed to education and to MPS. He said 80% of jobs in the future are likely going to require strong skills in some area of STEM learning — science, technology, engineering and math.
“We know that the future of work is really rooted in STEM,” Barash said.