Des Moines, Iowa – Tech Journey, Inc. recently received a $7,720 award from the Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund to support Tech Camp 2020. The award will be used to support Tech Journey’s annual summer camp experience for approximately 130 central Iowa students in grades 8 through 12.

The nonprofit’s mission of inspiring youth to increase their knowledge and interest in technology gets carried out through the time and talent of local technology professionals who serve as instructors and mentors at Tech Camp. Students are also provided access to hardware and software necessary for exploring technology on their own once Tech Camp is over.

“Microsoft’s contribution will help us reach more underserved students,” said Tim Sieber, Tech Journey Executive Director. “Our goal this year is to grow Tech Camp participation by 30 percent.”

The Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund, created and managed by Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Development team, is designed to support community-led and prioritized projects, increase collaboration among contributors and award recipients, and develop ecosystems that help deliver common community priorities. Through this approach, Microsoft hopes to achieve long-term, systemic, and holistic outcomes in the communities in which it operates.

“Microsoft is pleased to partner with Tech Journey and support Tech Camp 2020 which inspires and encourage students to pursue higher education and careers in technology, mitigating the STEM talent gap.” said Holly Beale, Des Moines Community Lead, and Program Manager for Environmental Sustainability. “The Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund awards are an important way for the company and our employees to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.”