GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Local leaders are excited about a new education center, which is set to open in time for fall classes.
Representatives from Brown County, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and the Einstein Project gathered Wednesday to announce that the transformative STEM Innovation Center is close to being opened.
“This is a huge game-changer for northeast Wisconsin,” explains Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach.
The Brown County STEM Innovation Center will provide resources to compliment the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math — as well as serve as the home of UWGB’s school of engineering.
“It’s crucial for us to come together as a benevolent community to get us where we need to be for both the Einstein Project and UWGB to foster the big impact this project will have on our region for the future,” says Streckenbach.
Specifically, the building should have a major impact on students looking to go into one field.
“Northeast Wisconsin has been identified that it has the highest need and demand for engineers,” he explains.
Streckenbach adds that it’s important to have the necessary resources available to area students, because it’ll lay the groundwork to keeping their skills in the area.
“University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has roughly an 84-percent retention rate in the region for students that graduate from their university,” he explains. “I believe NWTC has roughly a 97-percent retention rate.”
With that in mind, organizers touched on the center not only providing the area with an educational boost, but also a long term economic foundation.
“This will absolutely help us address that shortage,” says Streckenbach. “And allow us to have a pipeline for our manufacturers and businesses in our area.”
In terms of finances, most of the funds needed have already been attained.
“Our goal was $13-million dollars,” he explains. “We have collected up to this date, $11.2 [million].”
Leaders are opening up a public fundraising phase in the hopes of raising the remaining portion of their goal.
“We want the community to know that we’re pushing to finish this campaign out and it’s very important we raise this $1.8 million and we’re asking for your support,” explains UW-Green Bay Chancellor Gary L. Miller.
The center should be ready for the first day of classes on September 3.
