Best Buy School Tech Grants offer secondary schools the chance to improve classroom technology

Program will award grants to help Grade 9-12 classes up their tech game

BURNABY, BC, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Best Buy Canada is now accepting applications from secondary schools for their Best Buy School Tech Grant program, the retailer announced today. Financial grants of up to $10,000 are available for schools across the country looking to improve their technology offerings for classes or programs for students in Grades 9-12. Schools can submit their online applications until Thursday, December 22, 2016 at www.bestbuy.ca/schooltechgrants.

The School Tech Grant program exists to help reduce the economic and digital divide for youth by providing them with access to the technology they need to achieve their highest potential as they move into post-secondary education and the workforce.

"We continue to be inspired by the programs that Canadian secondary schools are offering today's students, regardless of the resources they have available" said Andrea MacBeth, Community Relations Manager, Best Buy Canada. "As our grants allow schools to outline exactly how much funding and specifically what technology is needed, we get an insight into the creativity of teachers and the desires of students as they strive to take learning to the next level.

The Best Buy School Tech Grants are available in two categories:

• General School Tech Grants are a way for schools to improve or integrate technology in their classrooms to advance student learning. Previous winners have used these grants to support tech needs in libraries, special needs classrooms, and literacy programs.

• STEM School Tech Grants are for schools looking to add technology to programs with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM). Previous recipients include investments in robotics clubs, math or coding programs, makerspaces, and digital media courses.

Tips for educators looking to write a successful application include:

• Illustrating how the technology purchased will inspire, motivate and empower students in their studies.
• Outlining how the technology will bring innovation or equality to the classroom.
• Illustrating the impact this new technology will have on the student experience and potential for learning.
• Ensuring that the list of new technology purchased with the grant is reflective of the case made for a grant.

Since the program started, Best Buy Canada has awarded $2.3 million in grants to more than 130 Canadian schools as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting students and education in Canada.

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

For further information: Media contact: Christine Tam, E : ctam@bestbuycanada.ca, T : 778.229.7532