Microsoft-Adopt a School Program
Microsoft is known around the world for its out-of-the-box thinking, cutting-edge technology, and a whole host of other wonderful clichés…which are all indeed true. When it comes to volunteering, however, the energy and thoughtfulness Microsoft employees pour into their work surpasses the company’s own lofty reputation.
The keystone of Microsoft’s business is innovation, and the employees involved with the Fargo Public School Foundation’s “Adopt-a-School” program bring that ideology to their volunteering efforts. In fact, as I sat down to listen to their ideas and experiences with the program over the past six years, there was hardly a lull in the conversation. New ideas were being bounced back and forth throughout. There was more talk of what could be done that what had already been accomplished. The Foundation and its mission inspire similar innovation and leadership across the Fargo community.
The entire Fargo Microsoft campus has adopted Bennett Elementary School, and employees work with students, faculty and parents throughout the year on numerous collaborations. The Fargo Public School Foundation’s goal is to enrich the educational experience of students, and with partners like Microsoft, Fargo’s school children are going beyond traditional classroom learning and experiencing real-world lessons.
But like most volunteering opportunities, the benefits go both ways. Chris Lerum of Microsoft works with Bennett’s student as a volunteer for the Bennett Bears Book Club which is sponsored each year by Microsoft. Over the past five years, he has enjoyed watching the students grow into confident group leaders and participants.
“It’s hard to come up with just one memory that stands out because each year has had something different about it,” Lerum said. “I think the thing I like the most is just watching the kids get their new books when we hand them out. They are so excited to be able to take them home and call them their own. It’s also kind of humbling to observe how much they can comprehend so quickly.”
Along with the Bennett Bear Book Club, Microsoft employees participate in Bennett’s annual Fall Festival fundraiser, and because of their involvement (both time and money), families are now able to attend the festival free of charge. Microsoft also provides small, but important and often costly necessities like paper and printing for PTA needs, lunches for teachers, raffle prizes, awards, etc. Finally, for each volunteering hour put in by an employee, Microsoft’s corporate volunteering program donates $17 back to the PTA!
Though schools let out for the summer months, the “Adopt-a-School” partnership provides the opportunity for teachers and students to stay in touch over the break. To show their appreciation and to build upon their strong relationship, Bennett faculty members donate their own time by working at Microsoft’s annual picnic.
Again, the entire goal of the “Adopt-a-School” program is to enrich students’ education and to foster their development and maturation. Seeing the smiles on their faces and listening to the excitement in their voices, it is clear that this unique program is touching lives young and old in a very meaningful way.
“I am constantly reminded of how people can have varying perspectives and opinions when I work with these kids,” Lerum said. “The refreshing part is that these students are not afraid to share their opinions in a very honest way.”
Every business or individual within the Fargo community has the opportunity to become involved in the Adopt-a-School program. You can make a difference. You can help to shape lives. You may not think you have time to spare out of a busy schedule, but you do. Chris Lerum thought he was too busy to get involved. That was five years ago, and he has no plans to give up his time with the Bennett students who participate in the Bennett Bear Book club[d1] . The Foundation has a role for you. Are you ready to get involved?
[d1]The Bennett Bear Book club runs for 5 weeks during the months of January and\or February – so I don’t want people to think that Microsoft employees spend 1 hour every week of the school year with these students.
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