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| Narrowing the digital divide means more than simply
providing people with access to technology. The real difference is
made when people are equipped with the knowledge and the education
to put that technology to use. Our goal is to make computer literacy
a reality for underserved communities worldwide. |
Pamela Passman
Global Corporate Affairs |
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| Microsoft |
As a worldwide leader in software, services, and
Internet technologies, Microsoft
Corporation has helped make computer literacy a vital workplace
skill—a skill that millions of people worldwide still lack.
To help narrow this skills gap and aid global workforce development,
in 2003 Microsoft launched Unlimited
Potential, a global initiative focused on providing technology
skills to disadvantaged individuals domestically and abroad.
With Unlimited Potential, Microsoft is partnering with community-based
organizations and nonprofits providing technology skills and experience
at community-based technology learning centers. In the initial round
of investment, Microsoft has distributed $8.1 million in cash and
software to 82 nonprofit organizations in 38 countries. Microsoft
has committed more than $1 billion to the program over the next five
years.
The initial phase of Unlimited Potential includes funding that helps
the technology learning centers hire and train technology instructors.
Subsequent phases will involve an online global support network delivering
technology curriculum, research, tools, and help-desk services to
the centers worldwide.
Among the organizations Microsoft is working with on Unlimited Potential
are the Rocky Mountain
Mutual Housing Association in Arizona, a nonprofit dedicated to
the preservation of affordable housing; the Mona Foundation, supporting
educational initiatives and the improved status of women and girls
in Panama’s indigenous community of Ngöbe Buglé;
and the Charter 77 Foundation in the Czech Republic, which provides
assistance to individuals with disabilities.
Microsoft is partnering with each of these organizations to offer
basic and advanced IT skills training to individuals who would not
otherwise have access, in an effort to provide them with expanded
social and economic opportunities.
To find out more about Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential program,
visit http://www.microsoft.com/giving or contact
Amy Jorgenson of Weber Shandwick at 425-452-5404 or ajorgenson@webershandwick.com.
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