Halloween computers, not candy

At Rapid Growth, we've learned The Geek Group (TGG) is always up to something interesting. We've watched this Westside hackerspace located in the old YMCA on Leonard NW shrink quarters, make lightning, and tinker with robots. (For our full profile on The Geek Group, click here.) For Halloween, the nonprofit is doing something a little different. They're supplying children with computers, not candy.

TGG will donate 100 re-purposed laptops to students enrolled in Grand Rapids Area Pre-college Engineering Program/Engineering and Biomedical School who may otherwise not be able to afford one. These students are primarily focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), meaning they would highly benefit from receiving a laptop.

The computers are donated to TGG by Dart Container Corporation, a single-use foodservice packaging products manufacturer. Dart is committed to STEM education, and the laptops are just one of many donations Dart has made to TGG in the last four years. 

“As an employer of hundreds of engineers, IT and finance professionals in Michigan, Dart Container recognizes the need to encourage our state’s students to find their futures in these critically important fields of study,” said Lelah Melton, Vice President of Information Technology for Dart, in a press release. 

TGG is an ideal place for these students and TGG members to explore their STEM interest. The 43,000 square foot laboratory contains "more tools than a Lowe's Store," according to TGG Founder Chris Boden. Their Youtube channel contains educational videos, fun demonstrations, and has over 18,000 subscribers. Click play to see a promo video Boden made about their Computers, Not Candy event.




The Computers, Not Candy giveaway begins Halloween morning at 11 a.m. at TGG Labs. 

Want to get involved? Here's how:

Keep up with The Geek Group on Facebook
Visit The Geek Group online to become a member or donate

Source: Lelah Melton, Dart Container Corporation; Chris Boden, The Geek Group
Writer: J. Bennett Rylah, Managing Editor