BlackBerry seeks to make a positive impact in our communities, engaging the talents and resources of our people and partners to harness the power of technology. BlackBerry strongly believes in the importance of education and works to inspire the next generation of minds, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Outreach efforts are concentrated on students at public elementary and secondary schools.

BlackBerry supports employee efforts to give back to communities through Proud2Be, a set of internal programs which present several opportunities to support our communities through fundraising drives and volunteerism. Through the Volunteer Recognition Program and the Child and Youth Active Living Program, BlackBerry donated to 294 organizations around the world. Through these programs and a variety of corporately supported events and activities, employees volunteered more than 14,800 hours in fiscal 2012.

The third annual We Day Waterloo took place on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. Close to 6,000 students from throughout southwestern Ontario came together to experience an event like no other. Free The Children co-founders, motivational speakers, and celebrity guests helped rally these young people to take on leadership roles in their communities.

With the help of social strategy consulting firm Mission Measurement, Free The Children was able to capture unprecedented insight into the impact of our last We Day Waterloo upon students, educators, and their schools. Highlights include:

• 97% of students believed they could make a meaningful difference, up from 66% last year
• 85% of students felt more educated about social justice issues
• 96% of students planned to lead or play an active role in a social justice initiative
• More than half of the educators in the audience returned to their schools with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for teaching

The grant application period is now closed. The 2012/2013 application deadlines will be announced in the coming months.