Microsoft has unveiled a crowdsourcing initiative to help college-bound students get their hands on the technology they need for their studies.
The software brand's "Chip In" programme allows students to call on friends and family to make donations towards the purchase of a Windows PC or tablet.
"We know that heading to college is one of the top reasons students buy a new PC - it's a powerful tool to support their education and stay in touch with their families and friends," says Kristina Libby, head of consumer communications for Windows. According to Libby, the Chip In programme allows these students to leverage the power of their social networks to help them get a PC or tablet.
The process is simple, according to the Chip In Web site. All the student needs to do is select the desired PC, create a profile, and then petition friends and family to make donations. The participating students can choose from a wide range of Windows 8 PCs and tablets and are able to share their pages with friends and family via social media or e-mail requests asking for contributions.
Once students have raised enough cash, they will receive a promotional coupon code to buy the device from MicrosoftStore.com and Microsoft will ship the new PC to their doors. Microsoft has sweetened the deal by offering a 10% discount to all students as the first donation towards their goal. The first 10 000 students will receive a four-year subscription to Office 365 University.
The programme also allows those who contributed towards the device to see how their money is being used, says Libby, who told the LA Times that she had already made a contribution to her niece's computer dream. "We created this site in order to make it so that what you're putting money towards is really what it's going towards."
While anyone can set up an account to crowdfund a PC purchase, only students with a valid .edu e-mail address or documentation to prove enrollment in a university or accredited institution can redeem the computer coupon.
The promotional programme started on 4 June and runs until 1 September. The initiative is only available to students who are legal residents of the US.
Share