It's that time of year again!  We're looking for the best and brightest students to come and drink some Microsoft Kool-aid. I should mention that this is UK-flavored Kool-aid, the best there is.

I'm inviting you to nominate your students to become Microsoft Student Partners (MSPs) - an annual award introduced by Microsoft to recognise and reward those individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the student technical community.

What is the MSP Program?

Our program, which runs in parallel with the academic year, is a way of encouraging students to develop good career-enhancing skills, while building a close relationship with their peers, and of course, with Microsoft. 

We encourage to share their knowledge and passion for technology and challenge them to undertake a number of fun activities on campus. To do this, they will need to develop their communication, networking and organisational skills, and of course push the boundaries of their technical knowledge.

What's in it for the Student?

From us, MSPs get access to numerous benefits, including Microsoft software, reference materials, and training, as well as privileged technical information and possible future career opportunities.

Why does Microsoft run the MSP Program?

The MSP Programm is designed to help students realise their potential through Microsoft software, and to be even more successful when they leave university and enter the IT industry. The Program is the cornerstone of a larger commitment by Microsoft to increase both the awareness and usage of the Microsoft® .NET platform and its associated developer technologies such as Microsoft® Visual Studio .NET on university campuses across the UK and Ireland.

What can I tell my Students?

• Join a select/elite group of some of the brightest, most talented and most innovative students and young technology enthusiasts around the UK
• Becoming a Microsoft Student Partner helps them develop their personal and technological skills further and allow them to gain some real-world, professional experience
• Being recognised as a Microsoft Student Partner is an accolade to add to their CV to help them succeed and get ahead in their future career.
• Becoming a Microsoft Student Partner provide students the opportunity to connect with Microsoft employees and other industry experts and to make valuable contacts for the future.
• Becoming a Microsoft Student Partner provide students the opportunity to interact, meet and build friendships around the UK
• Becoming a part of the Microsoft Student Partners team is most of all about having fun.
• Receive cool Microsoft software and plug into programs that not only lets them show off what they know but also increase their chances of a great job when they graduate.

How can I get my students involved?

Further information and application forms can be found by visiting: http://www.microsoft.com/uk/academia/students/student-partners/default.mspx

The deadline for applications is 13 October 2006.

Andy