Timber Ridge School in Mount Prospect gets $62,000 furniture grant

Steelcase Education has awarded a 2016 Active Learning Center Grant valued at $62,000 to the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization's Timber Ridge School in Mount Prospect. It was one of 13 grants made in the U.S. and Canada to 800 applicants.

Each grant covers the furniture, integrated technology, design and installation of one of four classroom types designed for 24-32 students, to be installed this summer.

"It was a difficult decision but these 13 recipients are clearly committed to offering students progressive learning environments that positively impact engagement," Craig Wilson, director of Market Development at Steelcase Education, said in a news release. "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 classrooms, Steelcase will provide training on the uses of the technology and furniture in the new spaces. Over the two-year program, Steelcase Education and the schools will partner together to conduct assessments and research on the impact of the newly designed spaces.

Steelcase research has shown that active learning environments positively impact student engagement compared to traditional row-by-row seating.