College Diversity ProgramsMicrosoft strives to be the leader in attracting minorities and women to careers in technology. We believe that diverse ideas and representation add value to our corporate community and to our products. We are committed to working with colleges and universities to help students achieve the knowledge and necessary skills to thrive in this competitive industry. Our involvement includes higher education support, scholarships, and programs around the country and globe aimed at developing a diverse technology workforce.
Higher Education SupportMicrosoft College Recruiting works to attract and hire the best and the brightest from around the world. We seek out diverse talent at all schools and specifically target historically underrepresented institutions. | • | Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith University, Morgan State University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T State University, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, and Xavier University | | • | Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Florida International University, Instituto Tehnologico y de Studios Superiores de Monterrey, University of New Mexico, University of Puerto Rico, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Texas at Pan American, and University of Texas at San Antonio | | • | Women's Colleges: Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, Wellesley College, and Spelman College |
In addition to recruiting at these schools, Microsoft focuses on diversity recruitment through campus organizations and national chapters such as Minority Engineering Program (MEP), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Learn more about Microsoft diversity outreach programs
Microsoft College Recruiting is sponsoring or attending the following events this school year:
| • | Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE): Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado, January 10 to 13, 2007 | | • | National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, March 28 to April 1, 2007 | | • | Women in Engineering Partnerships and Networking (WEPAN): Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 10 to 13, 2007 |
Microsoft is also involved in activities such as the national Windows Media Player Skins Challenge and the international Imagine Cup.
Learn more about the Windows Media Player Skins Challenge
Learn more about the Imagine Cup
ScholarshipsMicrosoft College Recruiting supports minorities in the technology field through scholastic scholarships for students with disabilities, underrepresented minorities, and women. In addition, Microsoft supports graduate-level scholarships through Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM). The Microsoft employee affinity group Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) raises funds to provide college scholarships for African-American students.
Developing a Diverse Technology Workforce 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.
|
|
