The philanthropic arm of multibillion-dollar Boston-based manufacturing and technology company GE is creating six digital fabrication labs for Milwaukee middle school students.
Construction on the labs is slated to begin in a few weeks and is expected to be ready and accessible to all Milwaukee Public School students when they are able to return to school buildings.
“These labs are not just about learning how to use new tools. They will help to develop students as adaptive problem solvers for jobs that haven’t even been created yet,” said David Barash, GE Foundation executive director, in a statement.
The six schools receiving a digital fabrication lab include Andrew Douglas, Wedgewood Park International, Audubon Technology and Communication, Hayes Bilingual, George Washington Carver Academy of Math and Science, and Rufus King International.
Each lab will be at least 1,000 square feet. Equipment will include a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, multiple 3D printers, CNC router, graphic design software, soldering station, multiple types of saws, and sanders.
Local businesses will be invited to share some of their product challenges for students to solve.
“These innovation labs will assist in our commitment to accelerate student achievement and cultivate leadership among our students," said Keith P. Posley, MPS superintendent.
The total cost of the labs is being funded by the GE Foundation grant, including funds dedicated to educator training and supplies for each GE lab. GE has a large presence in the Milwaukee area through Chicago-based GE Healthcare, which employs about 6,000 people locally.
