Challenges:
The World Resources Institute estimates the number of illiterate adults worldwide at 780 million. One of the key factors in global illiteracy is a lack of access to affordable education and resources. Additionally, there's room for improvement in the way students of all levels share information.

Opportunities:
Innovative technology solutions would make literacy possible in even the most economically disadvantaged, remote locations. Enhanced communication software will allow people privileged with a classroom education to share ideas with teachers and fellow students around the world. And more comprehensive, searchable data catalogs could put nearly every academic insight in history at students' fingertips.


Microsoft Education Initiatives

Microsoft in Education
Working closely with worldwide education communities, Microsoft has developed technology, tools, programs, and solutions to help address education challenges while improving teaching and learning opportunities. Learn more about the vision, initiatives, and roadmap for 21st Century Learning.

Unlimited Potential
Unlimited Potential is about helping individuals and communities around the globe achieve their goals and dreams with relevant, accessible, and affordable technologies. Through innovative solutions and local partnerships that are transforming education, fostering local innovation, and enabling jobs and opportunities, our mission is to create a continuous cycle of sustained social and economic growth for everyone. Learn More.

Partners in Learning
The Microsoft Partners in Learning initiative supports the dual commitment by Microsoft to advance the quality of education and provide alternative channels for economic progress. By building partnerships with governments and schools around the globe, Partners in Learning works to integrate technology into daily teaching, learning, and research. To date, nearly 3.5 million educators in more than 100 countries have been trained through the Partners in Learning curriculum, and more than 80 million students have been reached worldwide. Three key programs help educators employ technology throughout the learning process, and enable students to achieve their learning goals. Learn More.