Microsoft Gives The Partners In Learning Project Another $250 million

By: Kevin Green  |   November 30th, 2012   |   Business, News

On November 29, Microsoft announced that its Partners In Learning Project will be given another $250 million. The program is a worldwide initiative that gives teachers professional development opportunities. Since the sponsor is Microsoft, the focus of the program is on IT with the Windows maker trying to give teachers the tools they need to teach children about IT and other futuristic subjects. The Partners In Learning Project got its start in 2003 and has so far gotten $750 million from its benefactor.

 

Microsoft’s focus on education is not all about giving back to the community. The US-based software maker develops tools and services for the education sector that get a marketing boost through the program. The project has worked with teachers individually and has also interacted with the government. Teachers have gotten IT training along with the development of other long-term skills. The program has also tried to get the government to include all people in the IT revolution and works with the YouthSpark education initiative. The latest move by the program is the Global Forum which is currently taking place in Prague. The event is sponsored by Acer and highlights the brand new Windows 8 Operating System.

 

With governments cutting back on IT education in tough economic times, the large amount Microsoft has out in to the program is commendable. The initiative has also developed partnerships with other leaders in the field including the original developers of Apple’s Siri, SRI International.

 

Microsoft’s Partners In Learning Project is working in 119 countries and will use the new cash to expand further. The program has benefited 11 million teachers and 200 million students thanks to its training and tools and wants to increase the number to 20 million teachers by 2018.

 

Microsoft co-founder and current chairman Bill Gates states that, “We started this program nool,early 10 years ago based on the belief that education is a fundamental human right and the single most important investment in our collective future. This has never been more true, and I’m really pleased to see the continuing commitment to innovations that can help all students and teachers reach their full potential.”

 

Source: TechCrunch