We Energies STEM Center at MSOE Creates Opportunity

The premier STEM destination for Milwaukee students of all ages is now open at Milwaukee School of Engineering. The We Energies STEM Center at MSOE was made possible thanks to the support of major partners We Energies, Rockwell Automation, and American Family Insurance. The center is home to all of MSOE’s STEM outreach efforts and offers programs designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“In 2017, MSOE made a strategic investment in STEM outreach by establishing a dedicated department to grow, sustain, and develop a comprehensive STEM pipeline for all students in Milwaukee and beyond. Since then, more than 10,000 students from 150 K-12 schools have participated in our programs,” said Dr. John Walz, MSOE president. “The We Energies STEM Center at MSOE is a game changer. We’ll be able to reach more students than ever before.”

MSOE and its partners each bring a unique contribution to the STEM Center project, all to support the shared goal of providing opportunities to bring together schools, local companies, community groups, and organizations to create impactful, inclusive programming.

Employment in STEM-related jobs is expected to grow at 16 percent in the United States, far outpacing all other employment fields. In addition, jobs in STEM fields earn on average 10 percent more than jobs with similar education requirements. At the same time, there is a critical need for a more diverse workforce. Diversity and inclusion are an intentional and integrated part of the strategy for the STEM Center.

The 10,000-square-foot STEM Center features a flexible technology studio, design and development lab, machine tooling area, and a FIRST Robotics playing field for teams to practice on before they compete. Students throughout the greater Milwaukee area have access to resources, mentoring, and hands-on, experience-based learning and one-of-a-kind experiences to get them hooked on STEM.