GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the new Brown County STEM Innovation Center in Green Bay.
“I’ve seen this building at different stages, but when you see it done it gets the wow factor. I’ve looked at other people who hadn’t been here before and their face tells the story and this is very cool,” said John Katers.
Katers is the dean of science, engineering, and technology at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, which is one of the many departments being housed in this building.
He tells FOX 11enrollment is up since construction and believes this is just the beginning.
“So when we presented the mechanical engineering program to the (UW) Board of Regents we were hoping to have about 50 to 60 students enrolled at the end of year two of the program. But as we enter into year two we already have about 100 so almost double the number.”
Student Charles Warren tells FOX 11 the resources and support offered in this building and community is what got them interested in the program.
“I’m working at KI right now as an intern, I just think this school is really going to prepare students for engineering careers.”
Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach calls it a great first step into the future.
“This is a long term journey in terms of us getting the Engineering School, us having a facility that allows collaboration to take place. But most importantly it’s about bringing gain and the ability to create entrepreneurs and business right here in Northeast Wisconsin.”
The construction of this building would not have been possible without $5 million in funding from the state as well as $10 million from Brown County and donors in the community.
