Empatico is a free tech tool for teachers to match & connect classrooms around the world. Launched by the KIND Foundation, the tool provides opportunities for students from different backgrounds to collaborate on standards-based activities and learn about each other in the process. Empatico targets third and fourth graders because children are very developmentally pliable at that age. By introducing students from different backgrounds during this critical period, Empatico helps them cultivate a stronger sense of empathy and responsibility towards others. Love this intentional use of technology.

This blog post came out earlier this year, but it’s been lodged in my brain since then. As a woman in tech, I’m not thrilled with the current state of the startup landscape. Watching companies with questionable motives lock down millions in seed funding and “disrupt” institutions to only to serve a more exclusive clientele feels gross.