BUCYRUS, OH – Bucyrus City Schools has been awarded a 2026 Timken Next Generation STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Grant to establish a new elementary Fab Lab, providing students with earlier access to hands-on STEM experiences while strengthening the district's PreK-12 career-connected learning continuum.

The $7,500 grant, funded through The Timken Company Charitable Fund, will support the purchase of industry-inspired equipment that introduces elementary students to engineering, digital design, fabrication and manufacturing concepts through age-appropriate, project-based learning.

The new Fab Lab will include equipment such as a laser engraver, Cricut Maker, desktop CNC router, sublimation printer, heat press and more. Because every elementary student participates in STEM classes, the new learning space will expand opportunities for students to move from prototype to finished product while developing creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The elementary Fab Lab is designed to serve as an introduction to the district's existing industrial-grade Fab Lab and Advanced Manufacturing program at Bucyrus Secondary School. By exposing students to STEM tools and design thinking at an earlier age, the district is creating a seamless pathway that prepares students for future coursework, industry credentials and career-connected learning experiences.

"This grant represents another important step in bringing our True North vision to life," said Superintendent Robert Britton. "By introducing students to engineering, design and manufacturing at the elementary level, we're helping them discover their interests earlier while building the confidence and skills they'll continue to develop throughout their educational journey. Career-connected learning doesn't begin in high school; it begins the moment students start seeing themselves as creators, innovators and problem-solvers."

The Timken Company has been an active partner in Bucyrus City Schools through its participation on the district's Career Advisory Council, helping align educational experiences with local workforce needs and strengthening opportunities for students to explore careers in advanced manufacturing and future career opportunities in the community.

The elementary Fab Lab is expected to be operational during the 2026-27 school year and will become a permanent part of Bucyrus City Schools' career-connected learning framework, providing hands-on STEM experiences for elementary students for years to come.