Page 34 - MTWISpringSummer2025.html

34 ELECTRONIC EDITION: WWW.MANUFACTURINGTODAYWI.COM

Grant Significantly Enhances Capacity and Impact of Whitnall’s Fab Lab

Whitnall’s CTE program is committed complex, interdisciplinary projects.
to providing students with meaningful, career- The expanded Fab Lab will directly
aligned learning opportunities from middle benefit students by increasing access to indus-
school through high school. Anchored in three try-standard equipment, reducing wait times,
primary pathways—Health Sciences, Com- and allowing for more equitable participation
puter Science & IT, and Manufacturing & across courses and extracurricular activities like
Engineering, the program offers a progression robotics and design clubs. It will also enable the
of skills-based experiences beginning in sixth district to offer industry-recognized certifications
grade. Students explore coding, design, robotics, in areas such as CNC operation, 3D modeling,
and engineering through courses and enrichment and laser engraving, with a target of 50 certifica-
opportunities, including the middle school Mak- tions completed annually. These credentials will
erspace and the MADE program. At the high empower students to demonstrate real-world
school level, students can earn industry certifi- technical proficiency and gain a competitive
cations, enroll in dual-credit courses, participate edge in college admissions and workforce entry.
in Youth Apprenticeships, and engage in intern- Moreover, the Fab Lab’s expansion will
Whitnall School District ships and service learning. The CTE program support cross-curricular integration. Engi-
In 2018, the Whitnall School District took a supports Whitnall’s mission to deliver compre- neering students will design and fabricate
major step forward by passing a referendum that hensive, purpose-driven learning while helping prototypes, art students will create digital instal- classroom learning and real-world application,
provided essential funding to upgrade its techni- students build personalized learner profiles that lations, and business students will produce and ensuring that Whitnall graduates are well-pre-
cal education facilities. This investment laid the prepare them for postsecondary success. market custom products. This interdisciplinary pared for future careers.
groundwork for the school’s first Fab Lab—an Thanks to the recent Wisconsin Economic approach fosters collaboration, creativity, and By expanding our Fab Lab, Whitnall High
innovative, hands-on learning space designed to Development Corporation (WEDC) Fab Labs applied problem-solving—all essential skills in School is investing in a future-focused learning
enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant, Whitnall High School will expand its today’s job market. environment that promotes academic excellence,
programs. Equipped with a few 3D printers, existing Fab Lab to include advanced fabrica- Beyond school walls, the Fab Lab will career readiness, and community engagement—
vinyl cutters, and a laser engraver, the original tion tools such as CNC routers, additional laser serve as a valuable resource for the greater ultimately preparing students to lead, innovate,
Fab Lab brought a new level of engagement and engravers, upgraded 3D printers, and enhanced community. Local businesses will engage with and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
creativity to the classroom. Since its inception, collaborative workspaces. This expansion will students through internships and mentorships,
it has served as a hub for project-based learning, significantly enhance the Lab’s capacity and while families and community members will
helping students build critical thinking and prob- impact—providing students with greater access have access to workshops and training sessions. www.whitnall.com
lem-solving skills while exploring pathways in to high-tech tools and the ability to take on more These connections help bridge the gap between
STEAM.

Senior Rowan Pemble Forges a Bright Future in Welding

she found that while some careers, like tattoo flux core welding.
artistry or hairdressing, weren’t ideal due to After gradua-
muscle control challenges, welding provided tion, Rowan plans
a creative outlet where she could thrive. “I to enter the work-
still got to be creative in a way that wasn’t force, looking for
destructive if I ticked,” she explained. With welding opportuni-
D’kota Engler’s encouragement, she real- ties in the Waukesha
ized just a month later that welding could be area. With strong job
more than a high school class—it could be prospects and prox-
her career. imity to family and
Through Mercer’s welding program, friends, she sees it
Rowan earned dual-credit (courses that earn as the perfect place
both high school and college credit) that gave to launch her career.
her a head start at a local technical college. She’s also already
With guidance from school counselor made a smart financial move, saving $10,000 “It’s a great life skill, even if you don’t pursue
Amanda Kopka, she made the strategic deci- and purchasing her own welding equip- it as a career,” she said. “Everyone should
sion to stay in high school while completing ment—a long-term investment that will serve have basic knowledge in things like cooking,
her college credits, allowing her to save thou- her well in the field. car repair, and welding. Teaching kids when
sands of dollars in tuition. Rowan hopes more young women con- they’re young makes it fun and less intimi-
When she finishes her program at the sider careers in the trades. “It’s important dating.”
Mercer School District college, Rowan will graduate with two tech- from an early age to involve girls in trades With her skills, training, and determina-
For Mercer School senior Rowan, a nical diplomas: and show them that it’s a possible career,” tion, Rowan is well on her way to a successful
chance encounter in the shop class her fresh- • Welding Technical Diploma she said. “If you set your mind to it and welding career. Her journey is a testament to
man year sparked a passion that has shaped believe you can do it, anyone—especially the power of hands-on learning, strong men-
her future. On the last day of class, her • Maintenance and Fabrication Technical women—should take that leap.” At Nicolet, torship, and perseverance. Mercer School
instructor, D’kota Engler, asked, “Hey, have Diploma she’s found strong support from instructors celebrates her success and looks forward to
you ever welded before? Give it a try.” That Unlike certifications, which cover indi- who believe that women often make excellent seeing where her path leads next!
simple challenge led to a journey of skill- vidual skills, a technical diploma means welders due to their patience and attention to
building, confidence, and career readiness. Rowan will be fully trained in all aspects detail. She also emphasizes the importance
By her sophomore year, Rowan was of welding, including working with various of early exposure to hands-on skills, noting
excelling in welding, picking up techniques metals like stainless steel and aluminum, as that students in grades 5-8 at Mercer get the www.mercer.k12.wi.us
quickly. Living with Tourette’s syndrome, well as techniques like TIG, MIG, stick, and opportunity to explore the building trades.