MS Tackles CS Education Crisis With Popularity Contest

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."

Comments

Ah, the mythical CS skills shortage

[GameboyRMH]

There's no shortage of skilled CS workers, just a shortage of companies willing to pay them decently.

The goal of this effort and similar ones like FWD.us (Facebook's Wealth Demands Unlimited Slaves?) is to make sure every kid can program when they leave high school, so that you can pay entry-level programmers the same as gas station attendants.

Re: A whole 100,000 bucks?

[iamhassi]

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.

Re: A whole 100,000 bucks?

[Shortguy881]

Its not shipping overseas if we bring the talent here via H1B visas.