Wisconsin · State Grant

Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant

Eligibility

Wisconsin public school districts and charter schools operating CTE programs. Priority given to schools without existing maker space or fabrication lab infrastructure.

Program Goals

The WI DPI Fab Labs Grant funded school maker spaces and fabrication labs — hands-on environments where students learn design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing skills. Equipment purchased through this program gave students direct experience with the tools used in modern industry.

Learn more at dpi.wi.gov/cte/fab-labs

Application

The January 15, 2026 deadline has passed. Applications were submitted through the WI DPI grant portal with a project narrative and equipment list. Monitor dpi.wi.gov/grants for future rounds.

Cycle Notes

This program has run in past years with annual or biennial cycles. DPI has not yet announced a 2027 round. Districts interested in future Fab Labs funding should subscribe to DPI grant announcements and connect with their regional CTE coordinator.

Award Amount

Awards ranged from $10,000 to $25,000 per school. Funds were used for equipment, software, and installation. No match requirement was specified, but competitive applications showed existing district commitment to CTE.

Allowable Purchases

Fab Labs grants supported hands-on STEM and fabrication equipment. Forward Education products that qualify:

• Coding for Good Kit — Introduces students to physical computing and design thinking, a natural complement to any fab lab environment.
• Climate Action Kit — Project-based kit connecting environmental design challenges to engineering and coding skills.
• Smart Solar Energy Kit — Teaches renewable energy systems and circuit design aligned with manufacturing and CTE pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this grant currently open?
No. The January 15, 2026 deadline has passed. Check dpi.wi.gov for updates on future rounds.

Can private schools apply?
This program targets public school districts and public charter schools. Private schools were not eligible.

What was the match requirement?
No formal match was required, but strong applications demonstrated district commitment and sustainability plans.

Can funds be used for curriculum or professional development?
Primary focus was equipment. Some rounds allowed a portion for PD directly tied to new fab lab tools.

How do I get notified when a new round opens?
Subscribe to DPI grant alerts at dpi.wi.gov or contact your regional WI DPI CTE consultant.