Microsoft is committed to building the pipeline of future computer scientists. Our scholarships are designed to encourage students to pursue studies in computer science and related technical disciplines. Students from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be awarded scholarships in recognition of their passion for software, academic excellence, and ability to make a difference in the software industry.

We offer four types of technical scholarships to current undergraduate students: General Scholarship, Women's Scholarship, Underrepresented Minority Scholarship, and Scholarships for Students with Disabilities.

REQUIREMENTS

Basics
Microsoft is excited to be offering more than a half-million dollars in scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year. Applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2006.

Microsoft will review all applications and select final candidates on the basis of eligibility, quality of application, displayed interest in the software industry, commitment to leadership, and financial need. All applicants will be notified of their status via email on March 15, 2006.

We want to encourage students from groups currently underrepresented in the field of computer science to pursue technical degrees. While all candidates who meet the criteria for eligibility described below may apply, a large majority of our scholarships will be awarded to female students, underrepresented minority students, and students with disabilities. Minority applicants must be a member of one of the following groups underrepresented in the software field: African-American, Hispanic, or Native American.

Scholarship Provisions
Scholarships are awarded to recipients for one academic year. The scholarship will cover up to 100 percent of the tuition for the 2006-2007 academic year as posted by the financial aid office of the university or college. The scholarship payments are made to the designated school and are not transferable to other academic institutions. The funds are to be used for tuition only and may not be used for other costs on the recipient's bursar bill, such as room and board.

All recipients of a scholarship will be required to complete a salaried summer internship of 12 weeks or more at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington. (Microsoft reserves the right not to offer a position to the scholarship winner if an appropriate match cannot be found.)

Scholarship Eligibility
Students applying for scholarships must be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program at a college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico at the time the application is submitted. Students must be enrolled full-time and be making satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree in computer science or computer engineering. Students in a related technical discipline, such as electrical engineering, math, or physics, with a demonstrated interest in computer science, may also apply. Because the scholarship is merit based, the student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0, or a 4.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 5.0.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete application includes four items: your resume, transcript, answers to essay questions, and letter of referral. There is not a separate application form to submit in addition to the above materials. Your name should be included on each page of your application packet.

Resume
Enclose a copy of your resume. Be sure that it includes your e-mail address, school address and phone number, student ID number, permanent address and phone number, major, and expected graduation date.

Transcript
Enclose a copy of your current academic transcript.

Essay Questions
Use one page total (not one page per question) to answer all four of the following questions.

• Describe how you demonstrate your passion for technology outside the classroom.
• Describe the toughest technical problem you've worked on, how you addressed the problem, your role in reaching the outcome if it was team-based, and the final outcome.
• Describe a situation that demonstrates initiative and your willingness to go above and beyond.
• Describe how you are currently funding your college education.

Letter of Referral
Enclose a letter of referral from a faculty member (professor or teaching assistant) or an academic adviser.

Optional
Please note your gender, ethnicity, or disability on the page with your essay questions if you would like that information to be considered with your application.

Please send your completed application to:

Microsoft Scholarship Program
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-8303

For specific questions not answered on this page or in the FAQ section, please e-mail

Reference:
http://www.microsoft.com/college/scholarships