Nonprofits offer chronically ill children free online STEAM lessons

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Two nonprofit organizations have partnered with children’s hospitals around the country to offer chronically ill children and their siblings free online lessons.

The science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) lessons allow patients to stay engaged while in and out of facilities receiving treatment.

Lessons provided by Starlight and Coach Art online allow children to choose an interest from art to cooking and provide the tools necessary for the classes to families.

Children are paired with trained coaches for eight hourlong online lessons at times that fit their schedule.

Lincolnite Lacey Gruff’s daughters Zoe and Chloe have used the program since its pilot phase.

“They can’t wait to get home from school to do the cooking class or the art class,” she said. “They really enjoy thinking about what they’re going to cook and what they’re going to make in art. The kids have really learned a lot of things with art and baking, and we hope to expand, doing different STEAM programs that they offer.”

With over 800 hospital partners, Starlight Online STEAM Coaching plans to venture into more programs and initiatives aimed at delivering happiness to seriously ill kids.

Learn more at starlight.org