Empowering Wisconsin’s Future Workforce with Learning Blade

By Scott Mains - Learning Blade Wisconsin State Manager

Teachers from many academic disciplines often face a similar question from their students, “When will I use this in real life?”

Educators continually seek innovative solutions to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow. One such solution gaining traction across Wisconsin is Learning Blade, a STEM and computer science career awareness platform designed to engage students in relevant, real-world learning experiences. This fully funded virtual toolkit aligns with Wisconsin’s educational standards for grades 5-9, helping school districts foster interest in high-demand careers while supporting academic achievement. 

What is Learning Blade?

Learning Blade is an interactive, online platform that introduces students to STEM and computer science careers through engaging missions and problem-solving activities. The program is structured around real-world challenges, such as designing and building a Naval submarine, constructing prosthetic limbs, tackling cybersecurity threats, exploring renewable energy solutions, or starting up a new business. Through these missions, students develop critical thinking skills and learn how STEM concepts apply to everyday life and future career opportunities.

Learning Blade is made available to all Wisconsin schools through generous funding from the BlueForge Alliance and the Maritime Industrial Base. These organizations focus on strengthening the U.S. Navy's construction, maintenance, repair, and modernization of naval and commercial vessels. In addition to creating awareness about the growing fleet of submarines and careers building them, BFA and MIB are also providing funding for states like Wisconsin to have access to Learning Blade and was instrumental in adding a new Submarine Manufacturing mission for Learning Blade. 

Why Learning Blade for Wisconsin Schools?

With a growing demand for STEM professionals in Wisconsin, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in these fields is crucial. Learning Blade directly supports this initiative by:

• Building Career Awareness: The platform exposes students to a variety of STEM careers, encouraging them to explore over 100 STEM careers and technologies they may not have previously considered.

• Aligning with Educational Standards: Learning Blade’s curriculum aligns with Wisconsin’s academic standards, including Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) 

• Enhancing Computer Science Education: The program includes activities that support the integration of coding and computational thinking, critical skills in today’s digital economy. Also includes an Artificial Intelligence module and a 20-hour Introduction to Coding Course. 

• Encouraging Equity in STEM: Learning Blade provides diverse role models and accessible content, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, can see themselves in STEM careers.

Conclusion

Learning Blade presents an exciting opportunity for Wisconsin educators to enhance STEM education and prepare students for the future workforce. Check out the Learning Blade Catalog of online lessons and problem-based learning activities.  By integrating this fully funded platform into your schools, we can inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technology leaders who will drive Wisconsin’s economy forward.