Individual school districts were eligible for up to $25,000 and consortiums of two or more districts were eligible for up to $50,000. The program requires matching funds from each district. WEDC received 69 applications representing over $1.58 million in funding requests. Applications were evaluated based on readiness and long-range planning, curriculum, business and community partnerships, financial need, and previous awards. The review committee consisted of experts from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the Wisconsin Technical College System, and UW-Stout, as well as three WEDC team members. "Wisconsin's fab labs are already making a difference around the state by helping students develop skills that will benefit them regardless of what career path they choose after high school," said WEDC Secretary Hogan. "Fab labs will undoubtedly benefit individual students, school districts, and Wisconsin's economy as a whole."