Future Shop's Future Generation Tech Lab program expands its scope to further enhance technology in elementary schools

Program will award $150,000 across two categories to improve technology for K-8 schools

Announcement Highlights:

• Tech Lab grants will be offered in two categories: as 'General Tech Lab Grants' for improving literacy programs, libraries, and special needs classrooms, and as 'STEM Tech Lab Grants' for programs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
• Future Shop's Future Generation Tech Lab program returns for second year at the elementary school level, awarding up to $150,000 to schools with grades ranging from kindergarten up to and including grade eight and secondary 2 in Quebec
• Recipients will see the grant awarded as cash to be used towards technology and other equipment needed for improvements
• Elementary schools can apply for a Future Shop Future Generation Tech Lab grant starting October 24 through December 5, 2014 at www.futureshop.ca/techlab

BURNABY, BC, Oct. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Following a successful inaugural year of offering Future Generation Tech Lab grants for K-8 students nationwide, Future Shop's Future Generation Tech Lab program is welcoming new submissions. Totaling $150,000 in their amount, these grants will be awarded to public schools with grades ranging from kindergarten up to and including grade eight and secondary 2 in Quebec. Applications are being accepted now through December 5, 2014.

New for this year, Tech Lab grants will be offered in two categories. General Tech Lab Grants will be offered as a way for schools to improve or integrate technology in their classrooms to advance student learning. This could include new technologies for areas including libraries, special needs classrooms, literacy programs, etc. For schools looking to add technology to programs with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), the STEM Tech Lab Grants are available to enhance offering such as robotics clubs, math programs, coding, and digital media courses.

"There is a recognized gap in STEM skills in Canada, and teachers need support for these programs and curriculums," said Andrea Farnell, Community Relations Manager, Future Shop. "We hope that by focusing grants in this area, we can encourage schools to expand or create more classes, courses and clubs that will introduce and engage students in their STEM education."

The Future Generation Tech Lab program exists to equip more students with the right technology to keep them inspired, motivated and empowered as they learn and grow. Successful elementary schools will see the grant awarded as cash to be used towards technology and other equipment the schools need to improve their classrooms to help foster and advance learning.

Elementary schools can apply for a Future Shop Future Generation Tech Lab grant starting October 24 through December 5, 2014 at www.futureshop.ca/techlab. Winners will be announced in January after a panel of Future Shop leadership and associate teams have evaluated the submissions.

Since 2008, Future Shop's Future Generation Tech Lab program has awarded grants totalling more than $2 million to 74 schools nationwide.

Future Shop and Futureshop.ca are Canada's leading destinations for consumer electronics and lifestyle goods.

About Future Shop

Founded in 1982, BC-based Future Shop is Canada's leading destination for a total retail experience. With 135 stores across the country, the nation's premier web store (www.futureshop.ca), and unparalleled customer support from Geek Squad both online and in-store, Future Shop continues to be a leader in Canadian retail. Having been recognized for 'Best Omni-Channel Integration' at the 2014 Canada Post E-commerce Innovation Awards, Future Shop delivers the largest in-store selection of consumer electronics and lifestyle goods, and features an expanded assortment of products online at FutureShop.ca. Through its Future Generation Tech Labs community initiative, Future Shop is proud to connect youth with technology to inspire, motivate, and empower their education (see www.futureshop.ca/futuregeneration).

SOURCE: Future Shop

Media contact: Future Shop: Elliott Chun, [email protected], 604.412.1764; Press room: www.futureshop.ca/media; Facebook: www.facebook.com/FutureShop; Twitter: www.twitter.com/FutureShopNews