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MS Tackles CS Education Crisis With Popularity Contest

Posted by Unknown on from the least-cool-wins dept.

theodp writes " The lack of education in computer science is an example of an area of particularly acute concern,' Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith told Congress (PDF) as he sold lawmakers on the need to improve 'America's access to high skilled foreign talent'. Smith added that Microsoft also wants to 'help American students and workers gain the skills needed for the jobs that will fuel the innovation economy.' Towards that end, Microsoft will award $100,000 worth of donations to five technology education nonprofits 'who teach programming and provide technical resources to those who might not otherwise get the chance.' So, how will Microsoft determine who's most worthy? With a popularity contest, of course! At the end of October, the top five vote-getting nonprofits — only Windows AzureDev Community members are eligible to vote — will split the Microsoft Money. By the way, currently in second place but trying harder is Code.org, the seemingly dual-missioned organization advised by Microsoft's Smith which has reached out to its 140,000 Facebook fans, and 17,000 Twitter followers in its quest for the $50,000 first prize."

5 of 141 comments (clear)

  1. A whole 100,000 bucks? by korbulon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Doesn't even pay the tuition plus living expenses for an *average* college.

    1. Re: A whole 100,000 bucks? by iamhassi · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Simple: give congress millions for more h1b visas, but look like you're helping Americans by having a $100,000 prize!

      Want to encourage Americans to get CS degrees? Stop shipping the jobs overseas.

      --
      my karma will be here long after I'm gone
  2. Simple fix to the problem by sl4shd0rk · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Fix the imbalance with minimum wage H1B visas and US unemployment rate. Also, stop offshoring your entire freaking business.

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    Join the Slashcott! Feb 10 thru Feb 17!
  3. Microsoft PR is Sick by tuppe666 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    They recently brought PM Man Bill "I have a charity" Gates our (again) to explain why he (and they) did not have to pay Tax...You know the sort of thing that pays for Education (and Hospitals..roads...etc).

    This Disgusts Me

  4. Re:Ah, the mythical CS skills shortage by plover · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Their goal is obviously more noble than that. They want to underpay a bunch of United States Citizens so they don't have to underpay a bunch of H1B workers. Those visas don't come cheap, you know.

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    John