December 1, 2015 – As part of the Siemens Canada Educational Program, the company says it has provided a total contribution of $212,000 in cash, in-kind computer and software grants, as well as volunteer support toward supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education in Ontario’s Halton Region.

A highlight of this year’s program is Siemens’ partnership with Corporations for Community Connections (CFCC), says the company, a Canadian charity specializing in the refurbishment and charitable distribution of donated decommissioned corporate computers. Together, Siemens and CFCC was able to provide 140 refurbished laptops to the Halton District School Board. All donated laptops were prepared and tested primarily by more than 60 Siemens volunteers at a two-day workshop hosted by CFCC.

The donated laptops will support elementary and secondary schools in Halton region: 80 of them will be used in the Elementary Robotics program in 16 elementary schools; the remaining 60 will be used to support Technological Design courses and upcoming Robotics projects at 19 secondary schools within the region. The laptops will also assist in preparing students for the Architectural and Mechanical CADD competitions in the Halton Skills Competition.

In addition to the laptop donation, Siemens Canada also contributed educational grants of Siemens PLM Solid Edge, a student version of PLM 3-D design software. About 100 of the laptops donated to Halton high schools contained the software. The combined value of Siemens’ in-kind laptop donation and the software grants exceeds $202,000.

A cash donation of $10,000 toward the Halton Learning Foundation was also made by Siemens Canada, and will go toward assisting students in need and supporting other educational needs of partner schools.

The company says another rewarding aspect of the Siemens Canada Educational program includes student mentorship to, and plant and facility tours for, Halton high school students. Recently, a group of students from Garth Webb Secondary School in Oakville, Ont., had the opportunity to visit a transformer-producing plant of Trench Ltd. (a Siemens company). This tour was arranged in support of the school’s Specialist High School Major in Energy program.

“We believe that our contribution and mentorship will spark interest in engineering and technology amongst young people who represent Canada’s future talent,” said Joris Myny, SVP with Siemens Canada. “I am glad to see so many Siemens employees involved in our educational activities and helping to inspire students.”

PHOTO: Siemens executive team along with CFCC representatives and its volunteers present refurbished laptops to the Halton District School Board and the Halton Learning Foundation. Photo courtesy Siemens Canada.