Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer,
left, congratulates National Urban League President
and CEO Marc Morial, after presenting Morial with a
$5 million technology grant from Microsoft.
Microsoft has donated $5 million to the National Urban League, the nation's oldest and largest African-American organization.
The grant money will provide the National Urban League and its 102 affiliates with software to meet the organization's goal of empowering communities and changing lives.
"Access to technology, and strong computer skills are necessary to ensure that we remain successful in a competitive economy," said Marc H. Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. "Because of Microsoft's generosity, the National Urban League and our affiliates will have the technology needed to enhance our Educational Assistance Programs and in-turn enable thousands of African American youth nationwide to acquire the necessary skills to close the digital divide once and for all."
The technology grant was announced at Microsoft's 16th Annual Blacks at Microsoft Minority Student Day, which teaches minority students throughout the country about opportunities in technology.
The minority student day and the National Urban League grant are part of Microsoft's overall commitment to provide technology to underserved communities and to broaden digital inclusion.
The $5 million dollar grant will be rolled out over the course of three years and will provide technology needed to enhance youth programs and encourage young students to pursue math and science related careers. This grant will also provide the National Urban League with the tools needed to integrate data systems and to more effectively communicate with their affiliates.
Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, The National Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream.
Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) was founded in 1989 and serves as a company-sponsored employee affinity group dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of African-American employees at Microsoft.
