Microsoft is excited to be offering more than a half-million dollars in scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year. Applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2006. Microsoft will review all applications and select final candidates on the basis of eligibility, quality of application, displayed interest in the software industry, commitment to leadership, and financial need. All applicants will be notified of their status via email on March 15, 2006. We want to encourage students from groups currently underrepresented in the field of computer science to pursue technical degrees. While all candidates who meet the criteria for eligibility described below may apply, a large majority of our scholarships will be awarded to female students, underrepresented minority students, and students with disabilities. Minority applicants must be a member of one of the following groups underrepresented in the software field: African-American, Hispanic, or Native American.