One of Liz Dayton's first grade students at Forest Hills Elementary in Eden Prairie, Caiah, was diagnosed with leukemia just before Christmas. Liz began visiting Caiah at her home a few times a week during her treatments for at-home tutoring, while Caiah came to school as often as she was able.

Liz thought a laptop would be a wonderful tool for Caiah to keep up with her school work and classmates at home and during extended hospital stays. She told Caiah: "There are only so many movies you can watch!"

The school district was able to supply a laptop, but it would have to be returned at the end of the school year as per school policy. Liz was referred to the getSTEM web portal (www.getSTEM-mn.com) where she posted a request on the website. 

Within two days of her posting, MN Computers for Schools with a laptop donation to the school district for Caiah. District software programs like Lexia, FastMath and Type to Learn were loaded on the laptop for Caiah's use. Caiah will also be able to access the Internet to visit various educational websites.  "This is a great lesson in how we can all be of service," said Liz.

Since February, getSTEM has enabled over 50 connections between business leaders and educators. You and your business can participate in connections as well. Donate used materials from your organization, give a guest presentation, or respond to a teacher’s classroom need by visiting www.getSTEM-mn.com.