TLDR: Microsoft has launched its ambitious ‘Elevate’ initiative, committing $4 billion over five years to foster AI literacy and skills globally. Partnering with Code.org, the program includes the ‘Hour of AI’ campaign, aiming to equip 20 million people with essential AI knowledge and practical abilities, ensuring AI augments human potential rather than replacing it.
Redmond, WA – August 13, 2025 – Microsoft today officially launched its groundbreaking ‘Elevate’ initiative, a comprehensive program designed to democratize access to artificial intelligence education and skills worldwide. The tech giant has pledged a substantial $4 billion in cash and technology over the next five years, specifically targeting the educational sector and non-profit organizations globally.
The core objective of Microsoft Elevate is to make AI accessible to a broad audience and ensure individuals possess the necessary skills to leverage these transformative technologies for tangible real-world progress. The company’s overarching vision emphasizes that AI should ‘augment human potential, not replace it.’
During the launch event, Microsoft President Brad Smith articulated the initiative’s ambitious goal: to provide AI education and skills to 20 million people worldwide within the next two years. This commitment underscores Microsoft’s dedication to ‘put people first’ as AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of work and education.
A cornerstone of the Elevate initiative is the ‘Hour of AI’ campaign, developed in partnership with Code.org. This new global campaign builds upon the immense success of the ‘Hour of Code,’ aiming to expand foundational AI literacy. The program seeks to transition students from being passive consumers of AI to becoming active creators who comprehend how AI functions and can utilize it responsibly.
Hadi Partovi, CEO of Code.org, joined Brad Smith at the launch, outlining three new initiatives designed to ensure students receive an AI education that provides them with a significant head start in AI Engineering. This approach aims to empower them to use AI creatively, rather than merely consuming it. The ‘Hour of AI’ will offer fun, hands-on activities to introduce millions to AI concepts, including examples like ‘Minecraft: Generation AI,’ where students can code AI-powered inventions within the Minecraft world. Unlike the ‘Hour of Code,’ which is primarily anchored to Computer Science Education Week, ‘Hour of AI’ resources will be available year-round and cater to adults as well as school-aged students.
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Microsoft Elevate consolidates the company’s previous non-profit and education initiatives, including its Philanthropies division and Tech for Social Impact team, into a unified operational framework. This streamlined approach will combine funding, cloud infrastructure, and AI tools to expand access to training and technology. The $4 billion allocation will be distributed through a mix of grants, software, and computing resources for K-12 schools, community colleges, and non-profit organizations across the globe. Microsoft is collaborating with a wide array of partners, including education non-profits, labor groups, and government bodies, to ensure a large-scale rollout of the program.
