November 21, 2013 – CFS 20th Anniversary Celebration
20 Years of
Extending Technology
…and Expanding Minds!
Computers for Schools is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! #CFS20
The Computers for Schools (CFS) program has thrived under the leadership of Industry Canada over the last 20 years and we think it’s time to celebrate! Computers for Schools Ontario is Renewed Computer Technology’s (RCT) flagship program delivering triple bottom line results – RENEWING TECHNOLOGY to increase Digital Literacy, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT to empower our future workers and ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP to protect the world we live in.
In a celebration held at TELUS House in Toronto, industry partners, program donors, CFS provincial licensees, volunteers and youth interns marked the 20th anniversary of the Computers for Schools program across Canada.
Industry Canada’s Computers for Schools Program (CFS) has delivered close to 1,250,000 computers from coast to coast since its inception in August 1993. CFS has trained and employed over 5,885 youth across Canada in its 40 centres equipping them with the tools that they need to secure long term meaningful employment. View Press Release
CFS Champions of Learning – Recognized:
CFS program partners were recognized for their long standing commitment to the CFS program over the better part of the last 20 years with CFS Champions of Learning Awards:
Microsoft Canada – National CFS program
Telecom Pioneers of Canada – National CFS program
CIBC – Ontario CFS program
Regrets: CN Rail – National CFS program
RCT Annual Awards Recognition (Ontario):
RCT Technology Accelerator Awards are presented annually to the top three provincial donors of surplus IT equipment in order to support the social, economic & environmental impacts of renewing technology.
- GOLD – Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- SILVER – CIBC
- BRONZE – Department of National Defence (Kingston)
RCT Environmental Partner Awards are presented to donors who demonstrate a leadership role in mitigating the harmful impacts of e-waste by not only donating equipment that is renewable but also equipment that is truly at its end-of-life to be recycled in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – London
- Employment and Social Development Canada (EDSC)
- Regrets: Canada Border Services – London
RCT Volunteer of the Year: RCT is proud to honour individuals whose contribution goes above and beyond the call of duty by presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award annually to an extraordinary individual who selflessly donates their time and expertise to further the reuse of technology and skill development.
Volunteer of the Year – John Masciarelli, Principal, Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Academy
Other highlights from the Event:
The Honourable Minister of Industry: “Our Government is proud to support a successful program that brings computer literacy skills into Canadian classrooms and schools,” said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry. “Through Computers for Schools, Canadian youth are also gaining valuable work experience and are positioned for success in tomorrow’s digital economy.”
RCT Accomplishments highlighted:
- RCT has delivered over 387,000 renewed computers to schools, not-for-profit organizations and underserved communities across the province of Ontario since inception.
- RCT has provided computers & digital learning modules to over 5,200 low income learners through its RCTech OUTREACH program.
- RCT received 25,464 units in donations last year to the RCTech RENEW program for both reuse and recycling