Posted by Brad SmithGeneral Counsel & Executive Vice President, Legal & Corporate Affairs, Microsoft
The United States faces a growing economic challenge – a substantial and increasing shortage of individuals with the skills needed to fill the new jobs the private sector is creating. Throughout the nation and in a wide range of industries, there is an urgent demand for workers trained in the STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — yet there are not enough people with the necessary skills to meet that demand. Our nation faces the paradox of a crisis in unemployment at the same time that many companies cannot fill the jobs they have to offer. In addition to the short-term consequences for businesses and individuals, we risk these jobs migrating from the U.S., creating even bigger challenges for our long-term competitiveness and economic growth.
As an employer, we see these challenges first hand and are committed to doing what we can to help. One way we can help is to shine a light on these challenges and offer ideas and solutions. That’s why today we published a detailed whitepaper documenting ideas for a National Talent Strategy that would help secure U.S. competitiveness and economic growth. I also had the opportunity to discuss these ideas in a speech at the Brookings Institution today.
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Posted by Bill HarmonAssociate General Counsel, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit
As you may have seen on CNN or from one of many other media and online reports, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher’s DNA Foundation launched an innovative and interactive digital campaign this week that enlists the public’s help in the fight against child sex trafficking.
The campaign features videos of well-known celebrities sending the message that “Real Men Don’t Buy Girls”. With this campaign, the DNA Foundation aims to help change the social dynamics that enable the child sex trade today. Child sex trafficking is a difficult topic, one that many people would prefer to look away from, so we commend DNA Foundation for this daring approach that will get people talking – and thinking.
Microsoft works with advocates, governments, law enforcement, academics and industry stakeholders, including the DNA Foundation, around the world to combat technology-facilitated crimes against children.
Posted by Bonnie KearneyDirector, Trustworthy Computing Communications – Accessibility & Aging
Worldwide, a “Silver Tsunami” -- an increase in the average age of the population -- is occurring. In the U.S. alone, one in five U.S. workers will be 55 or older by 2025. As part of the natural aging process, many older adults experience functional limitations, and can benefit from customizing their computing experiences to better meet their personal needs. Whether in the home, as a tool to stay connected, or in the workplace, to extend a career past what is traditionally considered “retirement age,” accessible technology can help people of all ages and abilities continue to work and play online.
On Sept. 20 in New Orleans, AARP kicked off its annual Life @50+ National Event and Expo. This three-day conference hosts more than 20,000 AARP members and attendees.
Posted by Andrew KoSenior Director, U.S. Partners in Learning, Microsoft
It’s hard to ignore the pictures in the news of bright-eyed young boys and fresh-faced teen girls with infectious smiles, full of life, and a future full of potential placed under the headline ‘Bullied to Death.’
Bullying is one of the most pervasive issues affecting every school in the country on campus and online , and is a challenge that parents, teachers and administrators are tasked with tackling every day. With the vast use of social media, the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” has become a thing of the past. Words have become powerful enough to drive students to tragically end their young lives.
Bullying has emerged as a top theme among the applications for Microsoft’s 2011 US Innovative Education Forum (IEF), with several teacher applicants submitting lessons that use Microsoft technologies to help address the issue of bullying.
Posted by Jacqueline BeauchereDirector, Trustworthy Computing Communications, Microsoft
Unlike their parents who went back to school with new notebooks, pens, pencils, and binders, today’s young people are likely readying for the coming academic year with laptops, tablets and mobile phones. But, before parents arm kids with the latest Internet-enabled devices, it’s a good idea to share some do’s and don’ts about online safety.
Whether it’s a new laptop for research and writing, a tablet for reading, or a mobile phone to get in touch with mom or dad in the event of an emergency, kids are using mobile technology more than ever. Data show that 52 percent of kids ages eight to 12, and 77 percent between 12 and 17, own mobile phones, with teenagers 14 to 17 sending an average of 100 text messages a day.