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Keeping S.T.E.A.M.-related programs running smoothly for students to have an edge and fuel spirits for them to learn cutting edge technology is becoming key as we prepare the next generation for advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. To this end, author of The Innovator's Mindset, George Couros says, "Technology should be at the point of instruction and be as accessible in learning as a pencil; it shouldn't be an event. How many pencil labs do you have in your school?" The School District of Belleville's curriculum is offering its students more than pencils these days as it continues to put emphasis on technology in the classroom in their S.T.E.A.M.-related 4K-12th grade programs and classrooms, but to stay competitive requires support, funding, and creativity.

Accepting a $13K Fab Lab grant last week from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to improve innovative educational opportunities at the secondary level is helping a small school district like Belleville's keep pace in an environment where technology is changing faster than ever and the workplace is demanding employees come equipped with needed skill sets that place technology at the forefront. Principal Heather Schmitz acknowledges the importance of this funding when she thinks of the future of her students as they seek to engage with technology-centered learning.

"This grant will help to engage students at all grade levels, but specifically our younger, and newer S.T.E.A.M. learners. Our current lab continues to make a difference in student-centered learning by empowering students to step into the role of an engineer and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Our S.T.E.A.M. program's courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers," said Schmitz.

Last Wednesday, the School District of Belleville was one of 28 districts to receive a Fab Lab grant; and, with an additional $6.5K of funding provided by the School District of Belleville, Mr. Ed Neumann, 8-12 Tech. Ed./Engineering Instructor and S.T.E.A.M. Coordinator intends to purchase four Glowforge Laser cutters/engravers. Neumann hopes (with continued funding from grants like this from the WEDC) to encourage more female 7th and 8th grade students to enroll in engineering courses.

"Research has shown that the earlier we get students involved, especially our female students that are exposed to S.T.E.A.M. courses, the more likely they are to go through and pursue a career in an engineering S.T.E.A.M.-related field," said Neumann.

Last week Wednesday, Deputy WEDC Secretary Sam Rikkers joined Nate Perry, Heather Schmitz, Ed Neumann and his students at the Belleville High School (BHS) to announce the Fab Lab grant awardees at a scheduled press conference. Members of the public, the press, and the WEDC were then invited to tour the BHS S.T.E.A.M. educational labs and observe student demonstrations of their learning in practice in a classroom setting where students are taught to create projects that invite the use of technology through 3D printers, plasma cutters, and laser engravers.

"WEDC has invested over $3.4 million for the past six years to provide 95 school districts across the state with the equipment necessary to help students learn high-demand skills, including technology, manufacturing and engineering," said Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of WEDC.

Photo courtesy of Marie Perry

Deputy WEDC Secretary Sam Rikkers tours S.T.E.A.M. lab and classroom at the Belleville High School.

Introducing students to this technology as a part of career readiness during their early education also benefits Wisconsin employers looking for preparedness from applicants looking to join the workforce and who will be able to offer innovative problem-solving initiatives and needed tech skills to allow their companies to excel well into the future.

Couros commends this type of educational initiative in his writing, making a point to note that technology has an important place in education as a needed tool to bolster the future of our students in the 21st century, "Technology will not replace great teachers but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational."

Finding key partners like the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) who want to help put needed technological resources in the hands of educators is the fuel that will continue to drive the engines of learning in educational environments like Belleville High School as they continue to make bright futures in the area of S.T.E.A.M.-related learning for their students.