Microsoft Corp. has recently advanced a nationwide settlement of more than 100 class action lawsuits that alleged Microsoft products were overpriced. Under the proposed settlement,Microsoft will provide more than $1 billion in cash, training, support and software to help make computer technology more accessible to public schools serving nearly 7 million of America’s most economically disadvantaged children. The program, if accepted by the Court, will provide cash, computer hardware, software, technical assistance and training to over 12,500 schools and more than 400,000 teachers who work in those schools.

“We are pleased to reach a solution that will benefit millions of America’s most economically disadvantaged children and thousands of public schools with the greatest needs, ” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

“I’ve been fighting the digital divide for the last ten years. It has always been two steps forward and two steps back. The digital divide has just collapsed. This new program is a phenomenal gift to all economically challenged children and families in America. It gives us a quantum leap forward in achieving technological equity,” said Anthony Amato, Superintendent of Public Schools in Hartford, Connecticut.

“Speaking as a state superintendent of education, I can tell you that this program will bring extraordinary positive educational benefits to thousands of disadvantaged students in our state alone, and to millions of students across the nation,” said Dr. Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State.

The program will establish a national foundation for the ongoing support of schools using technology. All public, elementary, middle, junior high and high schools (K-12) in the United States and its territories* at which at least 70% of the attending students are eligible to receive free or reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch Program. are also eligible to receive benefits. The programs provide not only software and hardware for schools, but also the critical components of training, support and sustained funding to ensure these schools and their students reap the long-term benefits of a technology-enriched learning environment.

Microsoft will establish a national foundation to award grants for local schools, foundations or charitable organizations to increase access to technology. An Education Council of experienced educators, information technology professionals and fund development professionals will advise the Foundation board. Funds will be provided to establish a national network of student-centered technical support programs for eligible schools through Microsoft’s fourteen IT Academy Regional Centers at local community colleges and through local high school programs. It will also provide a full subscription on request to Microsoft’s TechNet technical support program.

“This settlement will put world-class technology tools and training where it’s most needed and help ensure that all children –today and in the future — have the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.”#