Canada's economic future depends on educating and training our young people to fill the knowledge-based jobs of tomorrow.  CFS helps thousands of young Canadians get hands-on experience with information technologies and access to computers and software, and provides valuable work experience in the information technology field.  CFS has grown by focusing on the following areas:

Learning
Equipment supplied by CFS is used not only as a learning tool for students, but also allows teachers, principals, librarians and citizens to develop a greater familiarity with software and hardware, to develop keyboard skills, and to search the world wide web. Computers are used by teachers as a resource for preparing lessons and by students not only within the curriculum, but also for extra-curricular learning opportunities. Computers are also used as a tool to build troubleshooting skills, and to teach students how to disassemble, repair and reassemble computers and accessories.

Training
Each year, the CFS workshops provide hundreds of young Canadians with hands-on training and opportunities in IT. Students work with computer technology, develop valuable skills through teamwork and project work and gain experience toward future careers. With support from the Canadian government’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES), CFS provides training to youth. Also, the Technical Work Experience Program (TWEP) provides recent graduates from technology programs with their first job experience. Some of the CFS workshops are school-based, allowing schools to add computer repair courses to their curriculum. In other cases, the TelecomPioneers and other volunteers provide training to young co-op students.

Environment
Computers for Schools has received recognition from Environment Canada in a study about disposal of electronic waste. Not-for-proft organizations responsible for the delivery of the CFS initiative are conducting pilot projects in support of solutions for the envionmentally responsible disposal of electronic waste.

Volunteerism
Volunteers throughout Canada affect every aspect of CFS:  they provide training and technical expertise, work in repair centres, provide transportation, and work tirelessly as promoters and ambassadors for CFS. 

Partnering
CFS has successfully gained financial support and other in-kind contributions from various levels of governments, private sector and citizens. It is estimated that for every dollar of federal funding provided to the program, CFS leverages close to three dollars from program collaborators.