October 22, 2015 - Read the full Forbes article and watch the interview here: http://onforb.es/1krX7qq. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwitunes or on Stitcher by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwstitcher. Computer literacy is increasingly becoming a ticket into the functioning global economy, but billions of people still don’t know how to get one. [I own 34 shares of Microsoft.] Lori Forte Harnick, General Manager, Microsoft Citizenship & Public Affairs, explains, ”There is a lack of resources to teach computer science in schools globally, as well as a lack of understanding in why computer science matters. Young people and their parents need inspiration to pursue computer science and combat the stereotypes associated with the field.” “As technology has become an integral part of people’s daily lives around the world, we’re seeing a growing demand – from students, parents, teachers, governments, and nonprofits – to teach youth not only how to use technology, but also how to create technology to help them become the innovators and drivers of growth and opportunity in their communities,” she adds. Few companies have a bigger incentive to be a part of the solution to this problem than Microsoft. Appropriately, the company is stepping up in a meaningful way. Harnick says, “Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently announced an expansion of the YouthSpark program to increase access to computer science education for all youth worldwide, and especially for those from under-represented backgrounds, with a $75 million commitment in community investments over the next three years.” Please consider whether a friend or colleague might benefit from this piece and, if so, share it.
#317: Funding Global Computer Literacy Is A Win-Win For The World And Microsoft