Microsoft, in response to its CSR supported critical operational cost of 35 STeP centers which has helped employing 3000 youth from underprivileged communities of India. The grant amounting to Rs. 7.12 Million was utilized by Smile across 16 Indian states for strengthening the ongoing STeP initiative benefiting thousands of underprivileged youth.
This collaboration entailed a joint commitment by Microsoft and Smile Foundation to deliver effective programme for taking IT to youth, women and underserved communities in urban slums and rural India, and leverage technology skills to promote employability. Smile Twin e-Learning Project has got a boost from getting support from Microsoft.
The association has also helped in improving the quality of instructors in the centers. Furthermore, Microsoft has also provided the curriculum on basics in computer which is being used in all the 48 STeP centers.