The Maine Medical Center is getting an endowment to permanently fund its hospital-based teacher program.

The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center is the only one in northern New England with an on-site teacher dedicated to helping young patients from 5 to 18.

The current teacher, Abby Snyder, meets with up to 12 patients every day and serves as the hospital liaison with their schools to ensure they stay up to date with their schoolwork. She says that schoolwork helps to bring a sense of normalcy to children staying at the hospital.

Dunkin’ Donuts business owners in Maine have committed $250,000 to create the endowment. They plan to reach that goal over a three-year period.