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"For many of us, technology makes life more manageable. We spend time communicating with a number of different people through multiple digital platforms \u2014 without even picking up a phone. We can shop and take college courses online. We have plenty of gadgets and gizmos. \nBut while consumer electronics are commonplace for many, we must remember that 68% of Americans don\u2019t have a home Internet connection at all. Furthermore, 100 million people in the U.S. have been left in the afterglow of broadband advancement. \nTo make digital more accessible, and to enable people to stay competitive in the global economy, a number of tech and media companies are working to level the online playing field all around the world. Here are five of them.\n1. Microsoft Shapes the Future\n\n\nThrough Microsoft\u2019s Shape the Future initiative, the tech giant is giving digital tools to one million low-income youth across the globe. The three-year program is dedicated to providing PCs, education software, discounted broadband service and jobs skills training to those in need.\nSo far, Shape the Future has already reached over 10 million students and families over the past five years in countries like Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Portugal, the UK and Argentina, among others.\nMicrosoft vice president Anthony Salcito is leading the initiative. He says the program has been instrumental in molding Microsoft\u2019s morale. \u201CThe Shape The Future program is based on a belief that technology has a fundamental role in developing individuals and societies,\u201D says Salcito. \u201CIt has been extremely well received within the company because, on a daily basis, our employees experience the amazing power digital access and technology innovation can have on improving the lives of so many people.\u201D\n2. Intel's 10 Million Teachers\n\n\nIntel is on a mission to bring computers to young people in developing regions. As part of Intel\u2019s Education Markets Platform Group, the company has deployed over 5 million units of Intel-powered classmate PCs, and has trained 10 million teachers in more than 70 countries. Not only does this effort give a select group of Intel employees the chance to travel around the world to deliver the machines, it gives them a chance to embrace the rewards that come with teaching. \nIntel employee Linda Qian blogs, \u201CWhile we were sent as teachers, it was us who ended up with most of the learnings.\u201D \nSuzanne Fallender, Intel\u2019s director of CSR strategy and communications, says the volunteer programs are structured to give back to communities and to build unity. \u201COur approach is based on the belief that what we can contribute through strategic philanthropy and create shared value for Intel and for society,\u201D she explains. \u201CWe can create significant economic and social value while also creating value and opportunities for Intel over the long term.\u201D\n3. Comcast and the FCC Provide Internet Essentials\n\n\nFor Comcast and the FCC, food and online education should go hand in hand. Through the cable operator\u2019s Internet Essentials program, students who are eligible for free lunches under the National School Lunch Program can also receive low-cost Internet service, discounted computers and digital literacy training.\nFamilies interested in enrolling are required to sign up before the end of the 2013-2014 year. They can stay in the program as long as one child in the household remains a part of the National School Lunch program. School districts across the country are promoting the initiative. \n4. Time Warner Cable Connects a Million Minds\n\n\nIn 2009, Time Warner Cable began touting the importance of STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) through its Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) crusade. Because young people\u2019s interest in the aforementioned fields has declined over the years, Time Warner Cable has dedicated five years and $100 million to creating STEM campaigns and curriculum for middle school students. \nSo far, the company\u2019s efforts have galvanized hundreds of thousands of people who understand that geeks shall inherit the earth. \u201CLess than two years into the program, parents, teachers and other concerned citizens have pledged to connect over 400,000 young minds to STEM,\u201D shares Tessie Topol, Time Warner Cable\u2019s senior director of strategic philanthropy and community affairs. \n5. Hewlett Packard's HP Catalyst Initiative\n\n\nVia its Office of Global Social Innovation, Hewlett Packard is also focusing on STEM education. The HP Catalyst Initiative brings together educational institutions and experts from around the world to facilitate transformational STEM teaching. \nWhat successful tech-based philanthropic campaigns are you seeing out there? \nImage courtesy of Flickr, poperotico"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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