Microsoft Pours Half a Billion Dollars into Education

Whether it is doing it as a countermeasure to the adoption of open source solutions in untapped and under-developed markets around the world, or simply as an investment in the development of economies around the world, one thing is certain, Microsoft is not holding back from pouring money into education. In search of the Unlimited Potential through technology, and the next five billion of Windows users, Microsoft announced the expansion of the impact of Partners in Learning program. In this context, it seems that the Redmond company will continue to keep Partners in Learning alive and kicking for another five years.

"Microsoft has always believed that education is the cornerstone of opportunity, and that investing in education is the best way to help young people achieve their potential. Partners in Learning is one of the ways Microsoft works with governments and schools around the world to help teachers use technology in the classroom to make learning exciting and relevant for the 21st century," said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft.

Partners in Learning has played an active role into bringing technology to an estimated 90 million students around the world. The program has managed to spread across no less than 101 countries, since it was initially introduced in 2003. Innovative Teachers, Innovative Students and Innovative Schools are the three key components of the program, and Microsoft is aiming to triple their impact over the next three years. In this regard, the company has pledged another $235.5 million to Partners in Learning, which will make its total investment in the program reach almost $500 million over a period of 10 years.

"Actively integrating technology into the classroom takes more than just PCs; it requires the cooperation and input of those with expertise, vision and strong experience in all aspects of the educational process," said Cristian-Mihai Adomnitei, minister of education, research and youth in Romania. "Microsoft's continued partnership and guidance through Partners in Learning has been instrumental in the success of our programs to achieve better education through IT and in forming talents for a competitive economy."