Microsoft's Partners in Learning program focuses on creating technology-rich learning communities and technology-savvy students. To reach this goal, Microsoft can provide free lesson plans, discussion groups, and online learning communities. Educational institutions are eligible for free or reduced-cost software and hardware along with training and technical assistance to promote "Schools of the Future." Registration is required for most web-based events, discussion groups, and learning communities. Lesson plans are freely available on the Partners in Learning website,
For faculty and students in higher education, Microsoft provides the Dynamics Academic Alliance (DynAA). This grant program focuses on business education and offers software donations for the classroom such as Microsoft Dynamics, which includes enterprise resource planning and customer-relationship applications. DynAA also offers technical support for its business software. DynAA includes free online training, course material, online discussion forums, a job-posting board for business faculty and students, and connections with Microsoft Dynamics partners. The academic institution needs to be a member of DynAA in order for faculty to access these resources.
Microsoft External Research provides several opportunities for cash grants for academics worldwide. These opportunities are for faculty members and graduate students in computer science, electrical engineering, or mathematics. Nominations for these awards come from the academic institution and are given to individuals who are advancing teaching, learning, and innovation in technology. The Microsoft Research Graduate Women's Scholarship awards $15,000 for one academic year to an outstanding woman graduate student. This scholarship also includes a travel stipend to attend a conference. The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowships are another cash grant covering tuition and fees for a doctoral student for two years, including a stipend for living expenses. Microsoft Research Faculty Fellowships, another form of cash award, are given to seven faculty members from around the world each May. In August, 2010 the awards totaled $200,000 for academic computer science research. In addition, faculty receive free software and ability to participate in events. Microsoft External Research also provides internships, academic awards, and research collaborations worldwide.