Best Buy Canada School Tech Grant program awards elementary schools with funding for new tech

Announcement Highlights:

• From more than 515 applicants, 11 elementary schools across Canada have been awarded cash grants of up to $10,000 each
• Recipients will use grants to enhance or integrate technology used in various classroom programs or extracurricular activities

BURNABY, BC, June 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Best Buy Canada is proud to announce that 11 elementary schools across the country have been selected to receive funding of up to $10,000 each through the Best Buy School Tech Grant program.

The recipient schools will use these grants to give students access to the latest in computer and digital technology, helping to keep students motivated and engaged as they learn and grow. The tech upgrades will support programs such as coding classes, makerspaces, tech for children at-risk, and even an experiential outdoor learning program.

"We were overwhelmed not only by the number applications we received, but by the diverse and innovative submissions from teachers and principals across Canada," said Karen Arsenault, Best Buy Canada's Community Relations Manager. "Successful applicants clearly illustrated the impact this technology will have on their students as they strive to take learning to the next level and provide unique experiences and new ways of finding success in the classroom."

The 11 schools receiving a Best Buy School Tech Grant are:

General Grants:

• École Des Grands-Êtres - Saint-Laurent, QC
• École Du Grand-Héron - Lasalle, QC
• Highwood School - Calgary, AB
• Lakewoods Public School - Oshawa, ON
• Oak Lake Community School - Oak Lake, MB

STEM Grants:

• Courtenay Elementary School - Courtenay, BC
• East Three Elementary School - Inuvik, NT
• Lord Strathcona Elementary - Vancouver, BC
• Port Elgin Regional School - Port Elgin, NB
• St. Jane Frances Catholic Elementary School - Toronto, ON
• Tosorontio Central Public School - Everett, ON

General Tech Grants are designed to help improve or integrate technology in classrooms to advance student learning. This could include new technologies including libraries, special needs classrooms, literacy programs and more. STEM Tech Grants are for schools looking to enhance technology in programs pertaining to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, which includes robotics clubs, math programs, computer coding and digital media courses.

All 11 schools will receive their funding in the coming weeks and celebrations will occur at the schools with the support of local Best Buy teams.

Best Buy Canada focuses its community investment on supporting youth to connect with technology to inspire, motivate and empower their education. Through this mission, Best Buy has provided more than 150 Canadian schools with grants to purchase new technology, in addition to offering post-secondary scholarships and supporting youth with hands on tech learning opportunities.

In the fall, Best Buy School Tech Grants will offer secondary schools the opportunity to apply for funding for new technology. Educators interested in being notified when grants are next available can email [email protected].

For more information about Best Buy's community investments, visit www.BestBuy.ca/Community.

About Best Buy
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY), Best Buy Canada Ltd. is one of Canada's largest and most successful omni-channel retailers, operating the Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Geek Squad (www.geeksquad.ca) brands. With nearly 200 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores across Canada, and an expanded assortment of lifestyle products offered through BestBuy.ca, Best Buy is a leader in Total Retail, catering to customers how, when, and where they want to shop. Best Buy Canada is committed to making a positive impact in the community with programs and partnerships that support youth to connect with technology to advance their education. For more information visit BestBuy.ca.

SOURCE Best Buy Canada

Media contact: Laura Mitchell, E : [email protected], T : [phone]