Microsoft Student Ambassadors
| Abbreviation | MSA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2001[1] |
| Founder | Microsoft |
| Type | Educational, promotional |
| Headquarters | Redmond, Washington, United States |
Region served | Worldwide |
| Membership | 2,880+ members (2010)[2] |
Parent organization | Microsoft |
| Website | studentambassadors |
Microsoft Student Ambassadors (MSA; formerly Microsoft Student Partners) is a program designed to sponsor students majoring in disciplines related to technology.[3] The program enhances students' employability by offering training in skills not usually taught in academia, including knowledge of Microsoft technologies.
History
[edit]The program was first launched in 2001 as Microsoft Student Partners. At that time, it operated only in fifteen countries. In late 2006, Microsoft announced plans to expand the program to fifty more countries worldwide. By 2010, it had 2,800 members across 101 countries. [4] In 2019, the program was restructured as Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors, aligning the program with Microsoft Learn, Microsoft’s official online training platform.[5][6] As of 2025, the program remains active worldwide.
Purpose
[edit]The program is an educational and promotional program to sponsor undergraduate and postgraduate students majoring in disciplines related to technology, typically computer science, computer information systems, and information technology. It also aims to enhance students' employability and increase students' awareness of Microsoft technologies. Student Ambassadors are offered training, particularly in product-specific skills that are not typically taught in academia.
The program aims to increase awareness of Microsoft products, programs, and initiatives. Consequently, the program helps expand the user base of Microsoft products, and results in better availability of properly educated workforce in those technologies.
Membership
[edit]Participation in the program is limited to students aged 16 and above who are enrolled in an accredited higher education institution. Since its relaunch as Microsoft Student Ambassadors, the program has been organized into three milestones of progression: Alpha, Beta, and Gold. Progression depends on contributions such as organizing events, creating technical content, or mentoring peers. Ambassadors receive access to Microsoft technologies, training resources, and certification opportunities. Other benefits include Azure credits, exam vouchers, and invitations to exclusive community events.[7]
See also
[edit]- Imagine Cup
- DreamSpark
- MSDN Academic Alliance
- Microsoft Certified Professional
- Microsoft Developer Network
- Microsoft Most Valuable Professional
- Microsoft Research
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Rolling Out the Microsoft Student Ambassadors Around the World". Microsoft. 2006-11-07. Retrieved 2010-03-24.
- ^ "Microsoft Student Ambassador". Microsoft. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ Media, Social (2020-05-15). "Microsoft Student Ambassador Program launched". TheWindowsClub News. Retrieved 2025-03-06.
- ^ "Microsoft Student Partners launches with STEM Cambodia". Microsoft News. Microsoft. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ "Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program launched". The Windows Club. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ "The Updated Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program (Beyond the Classroom)". Microsoft Tech Community. Microsoft. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ "Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors – Benefits". Microsoft. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
