Join us on May 13 for Microsoft’s YouthSpark in Schools program on closing the opportunity divide in education

| Donna Woodall, Microsoft Citizenship Director, Northeast Region

One of the most important things technology leaders can do is extend the skills and opportunities of the digital economy to everyone in society — especially educators and students. On May 13, from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., we’re hosting a special afternoon YouthSpark in Schools event that will explore ways to close the opportunity divide in education and enable technology access for all. Educators, school and district administrators, and youth development professionals are invited to join us for an evening of dynamic learning.

Youthspark-In-Schools-NYA highlight of the day will be a keynote speech by acclaimed education innovator Dr. Lodge McCammon. McCammon is an independent education consultant and professional musician who develops innovative classroom strategies (e.g., paperslide videos) and shares them with students, teachers and schools across the world. By sharing tools to increase transparency, efficiency, reflective practice, and relationships, he helps teachers create healthy learning environments that are highly collaborative, differentiated, and engaging. His educational songs on algebra, chemistry, history and other subjects, plus supporting material, can be found on Discovery Education Streaming.

We’ll also have breakout sessions that offer deep dives into some of the more than 30 free programs under the Microsoft YouthSpark initiative, including Skype in the Classroom, a global network connecting classrooms worldwide. We will offer hands-on training on how to integrate the latest technologies into classes and after-school programs, and how to leverage technology to increase parent engagement.

The program will conclude with a dynamic panel discussion among education and youth development thought leaders, focusing on Technology for All — Creating STEM Access Pathways for Girls and Young People of Color.

Register now to secure your seat for the program.

Microsoft YouthSpark is a company-wide, global initiative to create opportunities for 300 million youth through more than 30 programs and partnerships with more than 350 youth-serving nonprofits. Within its first two years, YouthSpark has created new opportunities for more than 227 million young people in over 100 countries around the world. Although there is much still to do, we’re inspired by what we’ve seen: young people taking the lead in changing not only their lives but the lives of other around them, making a real impact in their local communities and on the global stage. You can learn more by visiting www.youthsparkhub.com.

To learn more about Microsoft’s commitment to youth and education, visit our YouthSpark Hub or follow us on twitter at @msftcitizenship.

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