Ottawa – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo was pleased to announce that local students will be given access to hands-on computer experience and skills training through the Computers for Schools funding announced June 6.
“I’m pleased to see that 579 PCs, Laptops, Macs and LCDs will be delivered locally ensuring students will have easy access to the digital tools they need to learn the skills of tomorrow,” said McLeod.
Computers for Schools (CFS) is an Industry Canada-led program that collects and refurbishes donated surplus computers for distribution to Canada’s schools, libraries, not-for-profit learning organizations and Aboriginal communities. CFS helps Canadian students gain greater access to computer technology so they can develop the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.
In Budget 2014, the Government of Canada announced renewed support of $36 million over four years for the Computers for Schools program. The funding will help provide approximately 280,000 computers for schools across Canada and 1,000 training opportunities for students in all areas of digital technology.
“Placing more computers into classrooms means that students will have more hands-on opportunities to learn about computers and new technology, to develop new skills and to learn how to make better use of the Internet,” stated McLeod.
“To succeed in today’s economy students need access to the internet and the opportunities that our digital world can provide starting at a young age. Our government’s top priority is creating jobs and economic growth. This program is essential to prepare young Canadians for the opportunities of our digital economy,” concluded McLeod.