Page 8 - LRCC January 2022 Focus

MEMBER NEWS FOCUS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2022

tinkrLAB Fundraiser

Supports Children Getting

STEAM Education

By: Elizabeth Yassick, Kolt Communications, Inc.

n East Lansing-based learning center is making
education focused on science, technology,
Aengineering, arts, and math (STEAM) available
to more children, especially those from lower-income
families. tinkrLAB is a retail and learning center for
children ages 2 ½ - 12 years. The center allows young
children access to these specialized subjects early on to
set them up for future success.
scholarships for childcare or preschool. The subsidized

“The younger they can learn it, the more ingrained it is rate is not indefinite but gives parents enough time to
in how they discover and learn,” said Melissa Rabideau, financially be in a better position.
CEO and founder, tinkrLAB. “With kids, it’s important
that the learning is hands-on and discovery-based.” Rabideau said, “Sometimes people just need a little
kindness and a little help to get back on their feet,
When Rabideau started tinkrLAB seven years ago, she and who knows where these kids are going to be in 10
knew she wanted to offer STEAM education for any years? I want to say we were part of their success.”
family that wanted it, regardless of their ability to pay.
From there, she came up with the idea for tinkrCARE When parents and kids see these ceiling tiles, they
Helps. This program is an opportunity for individuals can appreciate the extent of community involvement.
and local businesses to help cover tuition for single Including the children in this fundraiser is a great way
parents. Part of tinkrCARE Helps is tinkrTILES, an to show how many people care.
ongoing fundraiser where families or businesses can
purchase a ceiling tile to decorate and place in one of “Coming together as a community is really important”,
the classrooms. said Rabideau. “We’ve had a lot of community support
as a small business and now we want to support our
“I believe STEAM education should be available for all families. It takes a village to do this, and I have so much
families, not just those who can financially afford it,” appreciation for the individuals and business in the
said Rabideau. community who have supported us and this project.”

Funding from tinkrTILES will primarily go to single To learn more about tinkrLAB or tinkrTILES, visit
parents, and any family that needs extra help. One- tinkrLAB.com or email info@tinkrlab.com. l
hundred percent of the funding will go towards

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