Explore Microsoft Internship Program
This 12 week summer internship program offers college freshman and sophomores the opportunity to explore careers in technology through hands-on training and group project experience. This program is designed to expose students (especially women and minorities) to the field of software development and encourage the pursuit of degrees in computer science, computer engineering and related technical disciplines.
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
In 2003 Microsoft made a historic investment in the future of the African-American collegiate community with a US$15 million software grant to launch the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund (TMSF) Technology Initiative. The initiative focuses on upgrading technology resources at public HBCUs to ensure that students are provided with a continuum of learning bolstered by technology so that they can develop the skills they need to succeed in today's workplace. In addition to software for the scholarship fund, Microsoft provides technical assistance in the development of the initiative. The goal is to enable participating schools to upgrade their computers, increase efficiencies, and help the fund expand technology training programs for students.
In 2006 Microsoft was awarded the Corporate Leadership Award by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF; formerly the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund) in recognition of our $15 million software donation and the work we have done with TMCF to help the fund develop fundraising capacity, develop technology capacity, and build partnerships with other corporate partners. TMCF presents this annual award to a corporate entity to recognize a record of commitment to public HBCUs, education, and diversity that has advanced the overall mission of developing a new generation of leaders. Nominations are received from a broad pool of member colleges and universities, board members, alumni, students, and donors. This award is the highest annual award presented by TMCF.
Read a press release about the 2003 TMSF software grant
The College Fund/United Negro College Fund
In March 2000 the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced a Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign (TECC) and partnerships valued at more than $130 million with Microsoft and other corporations to bolster the technology infrastructures of UNCF member institutions and to improve computer access for students and faculty members at historically black colleges and universities nationwide. Microsoft donated $50 million in software, reference materials, and training materials to the 39 UNCF member institutions for TECC to help modernize the technology platforms of the member institutions by providing and upgrading the amount and quality of software and hardware at these institutions. In 2003 Microsoft donated an additional $25 million in software to the UNCF to build on the previous donation.
Working Connections
In partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Microsoft is helping to diversify the IT industry by funding training programs that benefit traditionally underrepresented populations. Grants have been awarded to more than 60 community colleges in urban and rural areas nationwide since the program was started in 1997. This grant program supports information technology training for underserved populations through the nation's community college system. Microsoft has made a five-year, $47 million commitment to this program, which is being administered by the AACC. Grants fund IT curriculum development, faculty training, and outreach to local community groups and industries.
TRIO Programs
Microsoft has donated more than $24 million in software to increase technology access for low-income students participating in the federally funded TRIO Programs at 49 colleges and universities across the United States, benefiting more than 70,000 students. Initiated in the 1960s, the TRIO Programs help low-income Americans enter college, graduate, and move on to participate more fully in economic and social life.
