Lowe's Continues Long-Standing Commitment to Education With $2.5 Million in Special Grants-Toolbox for Education(R) Celebrates 5 Years

-- Winston-Salem, N.C. Lafayette A. Cook Elementary School to outfit classrooms with smart boards, to improve bathrooms, windows and hallway ceilings, and to build a seasonal garden for plant and bird studies.

-- Yorkville, N.Y. Whitesboro School District for playground remodels, technology upgrades and beautification projects at four local schools.

In addition to these special grants, in 2009 the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has already committed to the following educational initiatives:

-- Lowe's Toolbox for Education(R). Since its inception five years ago, Lowe's Toolbox for Education has given more than $17.7 million to schools in the United States. This grant program provides parent groups and educators affiliated with K-12 public schools with financial tools to help improve their children's schools. At a time when schools and community groups are struggling to make ends meet, in 2009 Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation is focusing on basic, one-time project needs. Schools can apply for grants of up to $5,000. The fall 2009 application process is open until Oct. 16, 2009. To apply now, visit toolboxforeducation.com.

-- Lowe's Scholarship Program provided more than $600,000 in college scholarships to students across the country through its scholarship programs in 2009. Open to all students across the country, the Lowe's Scholarship program awarded 140 high school graduates a $2,500 scholarship. Lowe's also gave 50 Carl Buchan Scholarships, which provide a $5,000 scholarship for students who are full or part-time Lowe's employees or a spouse/domestic partner or dependent of a Lowe's employee.

-- Lowe's helps narrow the skilled-labor gap by supporting SkillsUSA(R) and Skills Canada(R)-Ontario. Skills USA is a national student organization with more than 15,000 chapters at public high schools, trade and technical schools and colleges. In 2009, the LCEF is providing $1.5 million in grants, curriculum development and program support to SkillsUSA and $200,000 to Skills Canada-Ontario.