Education Programs
Updated: April 20, 2007
Resources to Build the Connected Learning Community
Microsoft is committed to working with educators, educational organizations, and industry partners to expand the world of learning through technology.
Our programs help educators connect with each other, prepare students for tomorrow's careers, and increase access to technology and training for learners in classrooms, campuses, and the larger community:
On This Page
In Primary and Secondary Schools
Connecting educators with each other and resources
Microsoft Innovative Teachers
To help educators further their professional development, learn from and inspire one another, the Microsoft Innovative Teachers program promotes the creation of exemplary practices, awards software grants, and gives educators access to online learning communities.
Increasing access to technology and training
School Agreement and Other Academic Licensing Solutions
Whether it's for a learning institution of 30 students or a school district with 70,000 pupils, Microsoft offers easy ways for schools to acquire and administer software at substantial discounts, in some cases as much as 85 percent off corporate rates.
Fresh Start Program for Donated Computers
Schools often receive donated personal computers that lack the appropriate documentation and CDs for the original Windows operating system. This program helps K-12 schools document that their donated computers are properly licensed—so students and teachers can gain additional access to technology.
In Higher Education
Preparing students for tomorrow's careers
Windows Live @ edu Program
Connect your campus with hosted e-mail and provide students and alumni with free e-mail accounts that potentially never expire, featuring a custom domain name selected by your institution.
Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance
Faculty members of the Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Academic Alliance) receive classroom software, technical support from product experts, and access to training and education. What's more, faculty members join a community of educators who are leaders in their field, passionate about applying technology, and dedicated to the success of their students.
Microsoft External Research & Programs
The academic community has been a central influence on Microsoft Research since its inception. Through collaborative relationships with universities, seminars, fellowships, and direct funding of outside projects, Microsoft Research engages researchers and students in the development of Microsoft technologies, and provides resources so they can keep abreast of new solutions. International ties include academic support groups in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
MSDN Academic Alliance
The MSDN Academic Alliance is an annual membership program for college and high school technical departments in the areas of computer science, engineering, and information systems. As members, departments receive a subscription that includes software and tools for Microsoft platforms, servers, and developer tools for instructional purposes.
IT Academy Program
The Microsoft IT Academy Program empowers member high schools and colleges to deliver training to help prepare credit and noncredit students for careers and certification in information technology. The program gives faculty and students access to training on current software and the latest Microsoft technologies.
Easing access to campus-wide solutions
Campus Agreement and Other Academic Licensing Solutions
To meet the needs of higher educational institutions, Microsoft offers a simple yet flexible volume-based pricing and subscription licensing agreement.
Across Education and Throughout the Community
Microsoft Unlimited Potential
The company’s primary philanthropy program, Microsoft Unlimited Potential is designed to help bring social and economic opportunity to the estimated 5 billion people who are not yet realizing the benefits of technology.
U.S. Department of Education Technology Initiatives
To help put technology into the hands of teachers and students, Microsoft has supported national technology grant programs since 1995.
Expanding Access to Technology Through Public Libraries
In cooperation with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (an independent private foundation), Microsoft donates software to expand public access to computing and the Internet at public libraries in underserved areas. The five-year goal is to reach 11,000 libraries serving low-income communities in the U.S. and Canada.
Accessible Technology: A Guide for Educators
For more than a decade, Microsoft has led the way in making technology products and solutions accessible to all people, including those with disabilities. Through these efforts, computers are becoming a positive force in employment, education, and recreation for people with disabilities.
Partnerships for Education
Microsoft is a member of Partnerships for Education (PfE), a joint initiative of UNESCO and the World Economic Forum, which tries to harness public and private initiatives around the world to create partnerships and improve education outcomes.
