Upper Canada District School Board Invests in Students' Future Through Historic Education Alliance Agreement with Microsoft Canada

The first-ever Canadian Education Alliance Agreement will help UCDSB students achieve their full potential and prepare them for success in the workforce

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and Microsoft Canada are pleased to announce the formation of an Education Alliance Agreement that will transform the education experience in the region and help to strengthen the local economy. This agreement is the first of its kind in Canada and will provide the UCDSB's 30,000 students and 2449 teachers with access to leading-edge technology that will empower educators, enrich instruction, and help prepare students and communities join the 21^st century workforce.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft Canada has committed to providing the UCDSB with a variety of software and educational resources. UCDSB schools will have access to the latest Microsoft software available in labs, classrooms, and on student PCs. Additionally, the full suite of Microsoft software design and development tools will be made available to all UCDSB computer science students. As a member of the Partners in Learning program, the UCDSB will also have access to a rich library of digital resources and lesson plans aimed at effectively supporting the use of technology in the classroom.

"We are looking forward to working together with Microsoft Canada to benefit from leading-edge technology that will create a more innovative teaching and learning environment and also help to ensure that our students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the future," says Jeremy Hobbs, Chief Information Officer, Upper Canada District School Board. "Education and digital literacy is crucial to the economic development and competitiveness of our region, and the UCDSB believes that technology in classrooms will help educators deliver transformational learning experiences."    

"Microsoft Canada is committed to helping transform classrooms and learning environments across the country through the strategic and creative use of technology," says Shann McGrail, Director of Education, Microsoft Canada. "We are thrilled to be supporting students and educators from the Upper Canada District School Board, and we look forward to seeing first-hand the difference this technology is going to make in the schools and in surrounding communities."

About Upper Canada District School Board

The Upper Canada District School Board is a diverse, public educational organization in Eastern Ontario. It consists of dedicated individuals committed to quality education that fosters life-long learning for all, through creative and challenging learning experiences. Our Mission: We prepare all students for a successful life. Vision: Creating Futures, Leading and Learning for All.  Values: Caring, Fairness, Empathy, Honesty, Perseverance, Resilience, Responsibility, Respect.

About Microsoft Canada

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

Allison Grange
Upper Canada District School Board
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Kara Carnduff
High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]