PROJECT G.R.I.L.L.

Project G.R.I.L.L.: Growing Readiness in Learning and Leading

A program of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Project G.R.I.L.L. is a project based learning experience for high school students that strives to develop a strong future workforce by positively highlighting careers within manufacturing. The G.R.I.L.L. portion of the title stands for Growing Readiness in Learning and Leading. While the program was developed in Sheboygan County, Envision Greater Fond du Lac has provided the program to area school districts since 2008.

Project G.R.I.L.L. teaches students all the steps of taking an idea from concept through production with the end result being a fully functional grill. The design process and fabrication of these complex grills takes an entire school year during which each student group is mentored by both their technical educational teacher and a manufacturing partner.

In addition to the fabrication of grills, the students participate in the program’s Parade of Manufacturers throughout November and December. The Parade spans over three days during which every participating high school team tours the participating manufacturing businesses along with the Fond du Lac campus of Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC). Students learn first-hand about the breadth and scope of each business’ work as well as the wide variety of careers and post-secondary education available within the world of manufacturing.

The program will culminate in May in the parking lot of Festival Foods in Fond du Lac for the annual Unveiling Event. During this event students will display their fully functional grills with the opportunity for their team to win the Best in Show and/or Community Choice Awards. The program also offers academic scholarships each year with the winners announced during the event.