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The digital divide has become even more apparent than ever, especially with the continuation of the pandemic. The issue of digital equity has come to the forefront as our workforce and education systems become increasingly digitized. While digitalization can lead to increased pay and opportunities for some, gender, socioeconomic and race-based challenges leave many communities behind. Microsoft alumni know the power of technology and the importance of digital know-how. Alumni can help bridge the gap by offering up their talents, resources and expertise. Many Microsoft alumni are already involved in programs that advance these efforts like the TEALS program, FIRST Washington, Women in Cloud, Voices for Innovation and more. We share in Microsoft’s goal to fill the digital divide and reskill the under-represented in the technology industry by bringing more digital skills to 25 million people worldwide by the end of the year. When everyone has access to digital skills training and materials, our communities can flourish.


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Voices for Innovation

Voices for Innovation (VFI) is a Microsoft-supported community of technology professionals and everyday Americans committed to advancing discussions about the most important technology policies. As citizen advocates, VFI champions public policies that foster innovation, support business growth, and enable technology to address societal challenges.

Microsoft TEALS

Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) is a Microsoft Philanthropies program that builds sustainable CS programs in high schools. TEALS focuses on serving students excluded from learning CS because of race, gender, or geography. TEALS helps teachers learn to teach CS by pairing them with industry volunteers and proven curricula.

FIRST Washington

FIRST® Washington is an organization that offers a hands-on learning experience to inspire young people about science, technology, engineering, and math. FIRST® Washington welcomes students and volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities, and work hard to build an inclusive learning community.

Women in Cloud

Women in Cloud is a community-led economic development organization dedicated to generating $1B in net new global economic access for women entrepreneurs and professionals in the enterprise ecosystem by 2030 through partnerships with Global Fortune Brands, community leaders, and policy makers. 

The Rural Broadband Association

Proudly representing nearly 850 independent, family-owned and community-based telecommunications companies, The Rural Broadband Association’s members build and deliver broadband connectivity and operate essential services in rural and small-town communities across the U.S.

1 Billion Lives Challenge

The 1 Billion Lives Challenge is part of the EDISON Alliance, a global movement of 46 Champions from the public and private sector, who are committed to prioritizing digital inclusion as foundational to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals so every person can affordably participate in the digital economy.

Giga

Giga is a UNICEF-ITU initiative to connect every school to the Internet and every young person to information, opportunity and choice.

National Digital Inclusion Alliance

With digital equity, we all win. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act.

EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn helps unlock social and economic opportunity by connecting people in underserved communities to affordable internet service and computers, and providing digital skills training.

Human-I-T

Human-I-T is a nonprofit and social enterprise that creates equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training and tech support for communities left on the wrong side of the digital divide, while at the same time, empowering businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills to protect our planet.

Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. SHLB strives to close the digital divide by promoting high-quality broadband for anchor institutions and their communities. SHLB members include hundreds of commercial and nonprofit organizations who support the mission.


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