Microsoft Invests in UI Program to Help Autistic Students Pursue Stem Careers
June 5, 2018
By: Julie Wurth
Source: The News Gazette
URBANA — Microsoft and other tech firms have always hired software engineers or data scientists who may have autism, whether they’re diagnosed or not, executives say.
The Seattle-based software firm has made a more concerted effort over the past three years, hoping to tap into the technical skills and creativity those with autism often provide. But those workers also tend to need more support.
So Microsoft decided to invest in the hiring pipeline with a $200,000 grant to the University of Illinois for the new Accessibility Lighthouse Program, which kicked off Monday.