Northstar Lottery Group to Unveil its 10th After School Advantage Computer Lab in Springfield School District 186

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Northstar Lottery Group, the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, will launch its newest After School Advantage computer lab in Springfield School District 186 – an area recently impacted by budget cuts. This will be the 10^th lab of its kind in Illinois providing at-risk youth with meaningful and productive after-school experiences.   

Earlier this month, District 186 voted unanimously to slash more than $5.5 million in an effort to balance its budget. Money-saving efforts included technology costs reduced by $1.4 million. To help fill the vacuum left by these budget cuts, Northstar Lottery Group will donate iPads and other computer lab equipment to Feitshans Elementary School, reopened this school year to house students from two schools that closed last year.  Feitshans is also one of the state's 21^st Century After School Program sites, so Northstar's donation will facilitate learning both during and after school hours.

"We worked with the district to identify schools with the most immediate needs.  We were especially impressed with Feitshans' vision for excellence and equality in education.  We hope this donation can help fulfill it," said Tim Simonson, president and CEO of Northstar Lottery Group. "Although this is a small step, we hope it will encourage other companies to lend their support.  Every little bit counts.  Through collective efforts, together we can make a big impact on the educational resources provided to children in Springfield."

"Springfield Public Schools District 186 and Feitshans Elementary School deeply appreciate the After-School Advantage program and Northstar's donation of computer equipment to the school," said Interim Superintendent Robert Hill.  "This is an example of community engagement that goes above and beyond to ensure that all children receive excellence and equality in education. The equipment will be used to impact student achievement. Thank you for this generous donation."

The After School Advantage program is part of a statewide community investment program in which Northstar Lottery Group has launched nine labs since July 2011, when it officially became the private manager of the Illinois Lottery. All centers are fully operational year-round, providing a safe and enriching environment for children and teens in these communities. Northstar plans to open additional labs in several regions throughout the state in the years ahead.

Northstar Lottery Group
Northstar Lottery Group is a consortium of best-in-class companies with more than 50 years combined experience in Illinois. Northstar Group is led by a partnership between GTECH Corporation and Scientific Games Corporation.

Contact: Chanele Newton (312) 368-5814

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SOURCE Northstar Lottery Group