Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (MET) Education Impact Awards

Sponsor: Plexus Corp.

Program Type: Awards program for educators

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin

Target Audience: Wisconsin middle school and high school educators (teachers)

Program Purpose:
To recognize and highlight outstanding Wisconsin teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing manufacturing, engineering, and technology (STEM) education in their classrooms. The program seeks to honor educators who:

• Use unique and creative teaching methods
• Engage students with real-world problems
• Facilitate learning through curiosity and innovation
• Inspire students to become lifelong learners
• Introduce students to local industries and manufacturing careers
• Connect students with community business leaders
• Advance STEM principles and manufacturing education

Award Categories:

• High School Educator category (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)
• Middle School Educator category (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)

Award Details:

• Cash prizes awarded for first, second, and third place winners in both categories
• Winners announced in summer
• Recognition of winners through Wisconsin Business World and partner communications

Recent Winners (2024):

• High School 1st: Jeff Deglopper (Muskego High School)
• High School 2nd: Ryan Osterberg (Brookfield Central High School)
• High School 3rd: Matthew Schultz (The Lincoln Academy)
• Middle School 1st: Todd Sobczyk (Lake Denoon Middle School)
• Middle School 2nd: Devalyn Rogers (One City Prep Academy)

Contact:

• Michelle Grajkowski, Senior Director of Wisconsin Business World
• Phone: 608.258.3400
• Email: mgrajkowski@wmc.org
• Website: https://www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-business-world/statewide-competitions/

Application Process

Submission Requirements:

1. Complete application form (available on Wisconsin Business World competitions page)
2. Submit evidence of exceptional curriculum development
3. Describe unique classroom projects and methods
4. Explain teaching philosophy
5. Demonstrate commitment to STEM education and student engagement

Application Deadline: March 31 (annually)

Submission Format: Electronic submission to Wisconsin Business World

Evaluation Criteria:
Applications judged by independent panel based on:

• Exceptional curriculum design
• Unique classroom projects
• Teaching philosophy
• Student engagement strategies
• Real-world problem-solving approaches
• Innovation in STEM education

Eligibility:

• Wisconsin middle school educators (grades 6-8)
• Wisconsin high school educators (grades 9-12)
• Must be actively teaching manufacturing, engineering, or technology courses

Timeline:

• Application period: Typically January-March
• Deadline: March 31
• Winners announced: Summer

Contact for Questions:

• Michelle Grajkowski, Senior Director: mgrajkowski@wmc.org
• Phone: 608.258.3400