Microsoft joins United Way for community conversation about education

During the launch of the United Way Campaign for the Common Good, United Way convened a community conversation about education. As a leader in the education space, Microsoft was invited to share insights on a panel. Allyson Knox, Academic Program Manager, National Partnerships, Partners in Learning at Microsoft joined parents, teachers, students, education experts and United Way for a candid at into education issues in our communities.

During a breakout group discussion, Microsoft’s Donna Woodall, Citizenship Director; US Public Sector – Washington DC, asked a student what sorts of things Microsoft could bring to her school to improve her educational experience. “Don’t bother,” the girl responded, “it would get messed up.” She went on to talk about the environment at her school and how destructive and unsafe it can be. “If it could be different,” she said, “I would want it to be different.” Later she shared that she doesn’t get a lot of support at home: “I live in a house where no one went to college, but I want to go to college.”

Like this young girl aptly described—there is more to addressing educational issues in our communities than donating books or computers. United Way is engaging diverse people, organizations and companies—like Microsoft—to develop solutions by focusing on creating supportive communities, effective schools and strong families. We can all be a part of the change and help make our schools a better place for our kids. This will result in stronger communities for us all.

United Way is recruiting people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to help young people reach their full potential. LIVE UNITED by helping America's youth succeed in school and life: pledge to support education, and help cut the drop out rate in half by 2018.