At its annual Dreamforce conference, Microsoft announced a global commitment to increase youth access to computer science through Microsoft YouthSpark. Over the next three years, Microsoft will invest $75 million (€67m) in community programmes to increase access to computer science for all youth, and especially for those from under-represented backgrounds.
Through collaborations with non-profit organisations in around 80 countries, Microsoft will deliver the a range of computing skills, from digital literacy to computer science education, to youth in local communities around the world.
In the US specifically, Microsoft will expand the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (Teals) programme starting with the 2015-2016 school year. The US-only programme, started in 2009, will grow fivefold, bringing computer science education to 30,000 students in nearly 700 schools in 33 states –annually – by end of the 2017-2018 school year .
Microsoft will be working closely with tech industry volunteers to join the effort to team-teach with existing classroom teachers, creating a ripple effect by impacting not just the students they teach, but the thousands of students who will study computer science with the hundreds of teachers they help prepare.
Microsoft Imagine connects students with the tools, resources and experiences they need to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Whether it’s building a game or designing an app, Microsoft Imagine makes learning to code easy and accessible for students and educators, no matter their age or skill level and at no cost.
Whether it’s free cloud services like Azure, online competitions via Imagine Cup that educators can incorporate into their curriculum, or fun, self-serve learning tutorials, Microsoft Imagine helps bring a student’s technology passion to life through computer science.
YouthSpark Hub resources are designed to inspire youth about the full spectrum of computing skills, ranging from digital literacy to computer science engineering.
In addition to providing access to the Microsoft Imagine tools, YouthSpark Hub brings together opportunities to participate in activities such as DigiGirlz and YouthSpark Live, attend free YouthSpark Camps at the Microsoft Stores and access training through non-profit organisations supported by Microsoft around the world.
Since 2012, Microsoft YouthSpark has created new opportunities for more than 300 million youths around the world, offering technology skills training and connections to employment, entrepreneurship and continued education or training.