REDMOND, Wash., October 22, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. recently announced it will provide Microsoft(r) multi-media software worth $1.5 million to The National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations (NCEOA), Washington, which works in conjunction with colleges, universities and agencies to help low-income American students enter college and graduate. NCEOA, a nonprofit organization, will use Microsoft’s donation of 45,000 copies of 15 different information, kids, creativity and desktop applications software titles throughout its programs around the nation.
Announcing the donation at the NCEOA annual awards banquet last month in Washington D.C. was Microsoft manager Debra Pollard, who was awarded the association’s 1996 Distinguished Service Award. Pollard, who has been with Microsoft since 1992, was chosen for her continuing leadership in advocating for the educational needs of low-income and minority children, youths and adults. Also receiving an award at the banquet, attended by over 1,400 educators and influencers, was U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard Wilson Riley. This annual conference is the largest gathering of professionals employed in institutionally-, state-, and federally-funded opportunity programs in the U.S.
“Microsoft believes that the most important use of information technology is to improve education,” said Patty Stonesifer, senior vice president, Interactive Media Division, Microsoft. “In fulfilling this belief, we feel it is important to provide equal access to students who would not otherwise be able to utilize the technology that is available today. This donation helps ensure that the tools are available to everyone – especially NCEOA beneficiaries — to develop technology skills for a lifetime of learning.”
NCEOA works with colleges, universities, community colleges and federal agencies that host TRIO Programs to assist Americans who must overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to succeed in college. The TRIO Programs are designed to identify students (Talent Search), prepare them to do college level work (Upward Bound), provide information on academic and financial aid opportunities (Educational Opportunity Centers), and provide tutoring and support services to students once they reach campus (Student Support Services). As mandated by Congress, over two-thirds of the students served must come from families with incomes under $24,000 (family of four) where neither parent graduated from college.
“Microsoft’s special partnership with NCEOA, launched in 1994, has enabled thousands of students to enhance their education by exposing them to state-of-the-art multimedia technology,” said Dr. Arnold Mitchem, executive director NCEOA. “By providing them with Microsoft software, we are able to level the educational playing field, which not only opens eyes and minds, but also new doors of opportunity.”
The NCEOA donation is part of Microsoft’s continuing efforts to help create a global “Connected Learning Community” in which all students and educators have access to technology and the tools and skills to use information effectively today and for a lifetime. Microsoft is committed to providing families, students and educators with the high-quality software and services needed to help them make the best use of technology.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
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