US unveils ICT initiative for one million students

More than one million students from low-income families in the US will receive computers, internet access, software and job skills training through a software giant’s digital inclusion initiative.

Microsoft Corp. has announced a three-year programme earlier this month that will provide students software, hardware and discounted broadband internet service aimed at preparing the students compete in the global market and increasing the youth’s employment opportunities.

The announcement also extends Microsoft’s global Shape the Future programme, which has provided technology and access to over 10 million students worldwide over the past five years.

Microsoft will work with state, city, non-profit, private organizations and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop and accelerate reduced-cost programmes and policies.

These programmes will provide windows-based PCs optimized for students, as well as broadband internet access, education software and job skills training.

The Federal Reserve estimates that the high school graduation rate of digitally excluded students is six to eight per cent lower than those with home access to the Internet.

According to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, roughly 100 million Americans remain unconnected to high-speed Internet, and the economic cost of digital exclusion is rising every day.

“This isn’t a problem for government alone. The private sector, nonprofit groups and government actors must work collaboratively to close this gap, create jobs and ensure America’s global competitiveness,” he said in a statement.

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