Future Shop announces 2010 recipients of Future Generation Tech Labs

Program awards $250,000 to provide leading edge resources in high school classrooms

BURNABY, BC, Feb. 9 /CNW/ - Future Shop, Canada's largest retailer and etailer of consumer electronics, today announced the latest recipients of its Future Generation Tech Labs, which is awarding $250,000 worth of state-of-the-art technology and resources to update Canadian classrooms. Five schools from across Canada were selected by Future Shop to receive major donations from the Future Generation Tech Lab program.

"Future Generation Tech Lab created an immediate impact at launch in 2009 and we're thrilled to continue to provide opportunities for students and teachers this year by announcing our latest recipients," said Todd Empey , Vice President, Operations, Future Shop. "This program is designed to give back to the communities we serve, as well as help reduce both the digital and economic divide within secondary schools."

Future Shop received entries from communities across Canada with over 40 applications from secondary schools to receive a Future Generation Tech Lab in 2010. The following five schools are recipients of a Tech Lab, which further demonstrates the company's commitment to secondary students and schools across Canada to help students be career ready after graduation:

Toronto , Ontario: Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute

The Future Generation Tech Lab will help Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute meet the demands of its student body, especially those enrolled in the large English as a Second Language (ESL) program. More than half the student population are newcomers to Canada . The Tech Lab will be used to enrich ESL learning experiences through improved software capabilities and hardware such as audio recording and GPS devices which will also support the school's new programs like the Specialist High Skills Major Program in Environment.

Stoney Creek, Ontario: Saltfleet District High School

Saltfleet District High School will upgrade its existing technology design lab to help the growing number of students enrolling in related classes. The Future Generation Tech Lab will offer the opportunity for students to utilize Saltfleet's industrial-focused programs and prepare for technical-related fields. An area that will receive an immediate upgrade is to its Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing software and hardware as well as rapid prototyping equipment, essential for preparing students for programs in post-secondary school and the workplace.

Montreal (North), Quebec: Henri-Bourassa High School

With only one computer workstation for every six students at Henri-Bourassa High School, the need for additional technology resources is immense. Henri-Bourassa will use the funds to create a brand new computer classroom. Located beside the arts and communications rooms, the classroom will be created to encourage participation in artistic creativity programs along and feature digital enhancements such as interactive whiteboards, multimedia presentations and rich media content.

Edmonton , Alberta: McNally High School

McNally High School had experienced financial challenges which impacted the school's ability to make substantial upgrades to its existing technology offerings to students. With its Future Generation Tech Lab, McNally will fulfill its dream of providing cutting-edge technology to its students through enhancements to the 21st Century Literacy Skills program and the introduction of a multimedia lab. The multimedia lab will feature current software programs to support the instruction of practical courses in design, computer animation and video editing. Additionally, interactive features will be introduced to engage students in the new learning environment.

West Kelowna, British Columbia: Mount Boucherie Secondary School

Mount Boucherie Secondary School is comprised of a diverse student base with more than 60 per cent of students enrolling in courses related to woodworking or technology. With its Future Generation Tech Lab, Mount Boucherie will make significant enhancements to the existing curriculum by introducing new computers, Computer Numeric Control routers and laser engraving/cutting devices. These additions will expand the school's course offerings as well as attract more students and provide them with real-world working experiences.

The planning of the remodel and install of the Future Generation Tech Labs is currently underway with each secondary school. Special unveiling events will be held at each school in September.

Every year, the Future Generation Tech Lab program will offer $50,000 grants to renovate and update classrooms with the latest electronics. Future Generation aspires to provide opportunities for Grade 10 - 12 students to explore their potential; to view the 2009 recipient schools visit www.futureshop.ca/futuregeneration. Applications will open in September 2010 for 2011 recipients.

About Future Shop's Future Generation

Future Generation Tech Lab expands on a 10-year commitment to support students and education in Canada . Since 2001, Future Shop has donated over 500 post-secondary scholarships (valued at $3,000 each), over 600 computers to non-profit partners and ten Tech labs to secondary schools across Canada . Each of Future Shop's 144 stores donate to non-profits and communities on an individual basis, and supports employee volunteerism with Volunteer Awards.

For further information: Media contacts: Cheryl Grant, Community Relations Manager, Future Shop, P: [phone], E: [email protected]; Elliott Chun, Communications Manager, Future Shop, P: [phone], E: [email protected]