Announcement Highlights:

• From more than 740 applicants, 13 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

BURNABY, BC, June 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Best Buy Canada is proud to announce that 13 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 motivate and engage their students with the latest in computer and digital technology. The tech upgrades will support initiatives such as makerspaces, virtual reality field trips, tech for children at-risk, and even a digital media program.

"Every year, we are overwhelmed with the number of quality applications we receive from teachers and principals across the country," said Karen Arsenault, Best Buy Canada's Community Investment Manager. "We know how technology transforms the learning experience and we're thrilled to be able to provide innovative resources to more schools across Canada to help students prepare for their future."

The 13 schools receiving a Best Buy School Tech Grant are:

General Grants:

• Charles H. Hulse Public School – Ottawa, ON
• Children's Village School – Calgary, AB
• École les Éclaireurs – Fredericton, NB
• Essex Public School – Essex, ON
• Forest Hill Junior Elementary School – St. Lazare, QC
• Hamiota Elementary – Hamiota, MB
• King Edward Public School – Kitchener ON

STEM Grants:

• Blue Jay Elementary School – Abbotsford, BC
• École Saint-Marc – Montréal, QC
• Lou MacNarin School – Dieppe, NB
• Nokomis School – Nokomis, SK
• North Canoe Elementary – Salmon Arm, BC
• Springwood Elementary – Prince George, BC

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 13 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 190 Canadian schools with grants to purchase new technology, in addition to offering post-secondary scholarships and supporting youth with hands-on tech learning opportunities through Geek Squad Academy.

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 schoolgrants@bestbuycanada.ca.

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. 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

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