Teachers and Students - 2020
Global Diversity
Beyond Microsoft
The issues behind social and economic inequality are bigger than any one organization can tackle alone. We have an opportunity—and an obligation—to foster the collective movement towards the greater good
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Global Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe in the transformative power of diversity and inclusion. Only by actively engaging different perspectives can we challenge and stretch our thinking, enrich the experiences of our employees, and empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Different perspectives help us all to achieve more
Our mission is deeply inclusive: empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We expect each of us—no matter what our level, role or function is—to play an active role in creating environments where people of diverse backgrounds are excited to bring all of who they are and do their best work.
HOW WE'RE ADVANCING INCLUSION Our communities inspire our progress
We strive to create an environment that brings the power of diversity to life—where people with different backgrounds and experiences thrive in both their professional and personal lives.
Life after the uniform
The skills Solaire developed in the Marines helped her transition into a thriving technology career.
SOLAIRE'S STORY 
From homeless to hopeful
Jameela Roland embarked on a path of growth and learning with Year Up that led to an unexpected, exciting career.
JAMEELA'S STORY 
A magnet for change
After many of her mentees quickly landed tech jobs, Microsoft engineer Kal Viswanathan scaled her impact to reach hundreds.
KAL'S STORY 
What it means to really be seen
Clark advocates against inequity that contributes to a high unemployment rate among trans and gender nonbinary workers.
CLARk’S STORY 
An engineer’s dream job blooms into reality
After Philip Jarvis landed his dream job, he reflects on what it's like to work at Microsoft as an engineer who has Asperger's syndrome.
PHILIP'S STORY 
From drones to smart plants
Guada chases her passions and makes more space for women in tech, all while envisioning a future where AI could save the world.
GUADA'S STORY We reach out with purpose
Guided by a commitment to building diverse communities, we’re intentional in who we reach out to, and how we connect with them. We increasingly do business with minority- and women-owned companies. We globally invest in developing the next tech industry leaders. And we pursue candidates of diverse backgrounds to help us do our best work yet.
PARTNERING TO ADVANCE DIVERSITY 
Inclusive thinking drives our innovation
We design for all human experiences and needs. So we strive to gather, listen to, and include as many perspectives as possible, with the ultimate goal of discovering how to bring out the best in each other, and everyone who uses what we create.
TAKE A PEEK INTO HOW WE DESIGN Footer Resource links
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MicrosoftGlobal Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond Microsoft
The issues behind social and economic inequality are bigger than any one organization can tackle alone. We have an opportunity—and an obligation—to foster collective movement towards greater diversity and inclusion through our actions and partnerships.
Share this pageTogether, we learn and grow
As an organization committed to diversity and inclusion, we’re asked to be open to learning our own biases and changing our behavior. We gladly share our learning resources so that others can create inclusive environments where all people feel valued, heard and included.
eLesson: Unconscious Bias
We’re pleased to share the same unconscious bias training we provide our employees on this important topic. This online course will help you understand unconscious bias, counter it, and support a diverse and inclusive culture where people are empowered to contribute fully. (On Windows 8.1 and 10, this course functions best on Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, and recent versions of Chrome and Firefox. On Mac OS X, this course functions best in recent versions of Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. On Windows 7 and 8 and on Mac OS X, Internet Explorer 11, Safari, and Firefox require Flash to play course videos.)
LAUNCH TRAINING 
Make it Real worksheet
To build an inclusive environment that respects and values differences, it is essential to look at our mindset and our behaviors. When we understand how biases influence our behavior, we can take action to create an inclusive culture – one where everyone can contribute, innovate, and provide solutions that customers love. Practicing and building inclusion takes effort. As with any new skill, it takes time and practice to increase our effectiveness. This worksheet will help you to start doing just that.
DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET A passion for tech starts early
Diversifying the STEM pipeline into colleges and universities starts with generating excitement for tech as early as possible. Through a range of initiatives and partnerships, we’re helping young people discover a passion for tech and envision a future filled with possibility.
Closing the gender gap
Our DigiGirlz program gives high school girls the chance to participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops, learn about careers in technology, and connect with Microsoft employees. We also help girls grow their skills and love for technology through our support of Technolochicas, Black Girls Code, and Girls Who Code.
ACTION GUIDE: CLOSE THE GENDER GAP 
Cultivating young talent
The disAbility employee resource group awards a scholarship to a current high school senior living with a disability. Blacks at Microsoft (BAM), a company-wide ERG, awards two US $5000 scholarships to outstanding high-school seniors interested in pursuing tech careers. BAM also hosts the annual Minority Student Day encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to look at tech as a career. Students can find internship opportunities at Microsoft Internship Program (select “students and recent graduates”).
SEE HOW WE INSPIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS 
Enabling digital learning
We support Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS), which enhances computer science education. We also support these organizations, which provide free access to technology tools and courses: Khan Academy, Kodu Game Lab, DreamSpark, and Small Basic.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIGITAL LITERACY Our partners share our mission
On a global, national and local level, we work with and support organizations that are working to advance diversity and inclusion in the tech industry—and in workplaces worldwide through research, benchmarking, program development and advocacy platforms.
Diversity takes us all further
We work to foster a diverse tech community wherever possible. A range of employee programs help advance inclusion, and we partner with suppliers who are committed to increasing diversity throughout their organizations.
Fueled by diverse perspectives
The different experiences and abilities of our employees drive our innovation and growth. We welcome new voices through programs like our Autism hiring program, our LEAP immersive apprenticeship for those with non-traditional backgrounds, and through the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy, which provides military service members and veterans with critical technology skills.
HIRING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 
Building connections
Networks of support help people of diverse backgrounds accelerate their career in technical roles. Diversity and Tech Community and TechRoots engage technology professionals of color. Codess and Women Think Next support women in coding and engineering. Microsoft for Startups provides entrepreneurs with access to technology as well as new community spaces that promote collaboration.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES 
Using our scale for good
We focus resources on suppliers that share our interest in workforce inclusion and supporting employees and families. All our suppliers must provide paid parental leave, and we require our US suppliers to provide annual paid time off for employees doing significant work for Microsoft. Companies like ours are in a position to positively impact workers, and we hope other organizations will consider similar policies.
OUR LAW FIRM DIVERSITY PROGRAM 
Partnering to develop and engage employees
These organizations connect us to diverse communities of professionals and provide Microsoft employees with networking and professional development opportunities.
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