GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Steelcase Education is proud to announce the recipients of the 2016 Active Learning Center Grant. The second annual grant program provides thirteen schools and universities with a classroom designed for student engagement and collaboration.

The 2016 grant recipients are:

• Boyce Middle School, Pittsburgh, PA
• College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL
• Furman University, Greenville, SC
• LaSalle College, Montréal Campus, Montreal, Canada
• Lipman Middle School, Brisbane, CA
• Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, Timber Ridge School, Mt. Prospect, IL
• Shorecrest Preparatory School, St. Petersburg, FL
• St. Edward's University, Austin, TX
• St. Elizabeth High School, Wilmington, DE
• Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN
• Turner/Bartels K-8, Tampa, FL
• University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, KS
• Upper Arlington High School, Upper Arlington, OH

Each Active Learning Center grant covers the furniture, integrated technology, design and installation of one of four classroom types designed for 24-32 students. Valued at $62,000 each, the classrooms will be installed in summer 2016.

"It was a difficult decision but these thirteen recipients are clearly committed to offering students progressive learning environments that positively impact engagement," said Craig Wilson, Director of Market Development at Steelcase Education. "The new classrooms will promote innovative pedagogical solutions and allow educators to leverage the capabilities of an environment built specifically for improved engagement and collaboration."

In addition to installing new classrooms, Steelcase will provide training on the uses of the technology and furniture in the new spaces. The recipients will have the opportunity to participate in a community of practice with all awarded schools to share insights and best practices. Over the two-year program, Steelcase Education and the schools will partner together to conduct assessments and research on the impact of teaching and learning in the newly designed spaces.

Steelcase research has shown that active learning environments positively impact student engagement. When surveyed, a majority of students and educators reported that the active learning classrooms contributed to higher engagement, the expectation of better grades, more motivation and more creativity, when compared to traditional classrooms.

These schools and universities were chosen out of more than 800 applications for their unique approaches to active learning. For more information on the winners, visit the Steelcase Education website.

Steelcase Education             
As lifelong learners, Steelcase Education aims to make a difference in education. For students, educators and designers, the organization creates the most effective, rewarding and inspiring learning spaces. As a dedicated group within Steelcase exclusively focused on education, it brings evidence-based design, technology and innovative solutions to education environments, wherever learning happens.

SOURCE Steelcase Education