Building on its long history of philanthropic programs that provide support to nonprofits around the world, Microsoft recently unveiled its latest initiative called Youthspark, company-wide effort designed to create opportunities for 300 million youth around the world over the next 3 years. The announcement was made on September 20 by its CEO, Steve Ballmer.

Through partnerships with governments, nonprofits and businesses, Microsoft aims to empower youth to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. In short, it seeks to empower youth to change their world.

YouthSpark marks a new focus for Microsoft’s philanthropy efforts, with the introduction of new youth-focused programs. The company is also committing the majority of its corporate cash giving to support nonprofit organizations that serve youth by providing them with enhanced technology and business training to help them pursue additional education, obtain employment or start a new business or social venture.

Along this line, Microsoft has introduced its new YouthSpark Hub, a place where youth, and those who care about them, can access all the programs, trainings and resources available through Microsoft.

For more information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/en-us/youthspark/.

To watch the webcast of the official announcement, go to http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/presskits/citizenship/liveevent....

(Images grabbed from Microsoft webcast)