Microsoft India renews its education investment

Microsoft India has announced an investment renewal of US$20 million in the education space over the next five years. The company has also renewed its commitment to the India chapter of 'Partners in Learning' - its global educational program, which allows students, teachers, and institutions to reach their full potential.

In the next phase of 'Partners in Learning' in India, Microsoft will aim to address national education priorities by partnering with governments and introducing a focus on three core programs: Innovative Teachers, Innovative Students, and Innovative Schools.

Announcing the program expansion, Jean-Philippe Courtois, President, Microsoft, said, 'We believe that investing in education is the most effective way to help young people achieve their potential. India, with its wealth of human capital, can achieve a great deal - not just for itself, but for the world at large - if the intelligence and potential of its youth is harnessed. Through Partners in Learning, we aim to encourage the use of technology in the classroom to make learning exciting and relevant for the 21st century.'

'Partners in Learning' is vital education initiative under Microsoft's Unlimited Potential, the company's global effort to creating sustained social and economic opportunity for everyone. The other efforts that look at transforming education in India include investments in institutions, teachers, and students.

As a direct investment to improve the employability quotient of students, Microsoft India has also trained faculty members to teach advanced industry technologies - indirectly reaching more than 80 per cent of all engineering students. The company has also created a platform for faculty to share and adopt best practices from professors around the globe.