| HP community investment and economic development |
The Micro Enterprise Development Grant program is part of HP's long-term community investment strategy to contribute time, knowledge and resources and help the continued social and economic development of communities around the world.
The HP Micro Enterprise Development Grant program provides assistance, business training via the HP micro enterprise curriculum (smart technology for a smarter business) and support to entrepreneurs and very small businesses (with fewer than five employees). The initiative, part of HP's robust strategic community investment program, is designed to support the growth of the region's micro enterprises, particularly in those communities experiencing high unemployment rates or economic decline. The grants provide cash, technology and training for non-profits that help entrepreneurs in diverse low-income communities to build and grow their businesses. Each grant recipient receives US$50,000 of technology and training, including laptops, scanner/copiers, printers, servers and a wireless access point, and a curriculum of HP training courses, 'Smart Technology for a Smarter Business'. HP also provides a US$30,000 cash stipend per grant to use for software, research, further training or income generation initiatives.
In 2008, 10 organizations in India have been awarded the HP 2008 Micro Enterprise Development Grant. These are
In 2007, 5 grants were awarded to 4 organizations in India. These were
Micro enterprises are businesses with five or fewer employees, minimal start-up capital, and little to no access to the traditional banking sector. Around the world, small businesses such as these represent the biggest source of new jobs and economic development.
| HP Community Investment and Education |
HP's commitment to education is based on the principle that effective integration of technology can help people reach their full potential, increase economic prosperity, and build a diverse and highly skilled workforce.
The HP Technology for Teaching Initiative is aimed at supporting the development of mobile technology environments in higher education environments, to transform teaching and learning models; integrate learning technology into campuses; engage faculty in adopting and implementing these models; and foster opportunities for academic leaders to understand the potential of mobile technology in university environments. The Technology for teaching grant has transformed the way subjects are taught on its campus. The universities have received technology such as HP Tablet PCs, external storage and optical drives, wireless networking cards and printers, as well as a stipend for staff to work on the projects.
- In 2007, the Technology for Teaching Grant was awarded to Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.
- Anna University and Jadavpur University were awarded the grant in 2006.
Article: To the campus and beyond
The Sankya Program in collaboration with Rotary International is a path-breaking effort, to re-use end-of-life HP hardware and bridge the digital divide in government and rural schools. Over 300 schools in Karnataka have been equipped with Computer hardware to facilitate computer education.
In July 2008, HP awarded a $150,000 Grant to Rotary Club for expansion of Project SANKYA to network schools, teachers and children to facilitate information and knowledge dissemination. The backbone of SANKYA is an HP-Rotary hub that will connect numerous Government and unaided schools through computers deployed under HP’s reuse program. Plans involve connecting over 500 schools to the knowledge centre in the first phase of the project itself. The proposed initiative will utilize the existing computer network and will include creating pre-recorded virtual class room sessions delivered by some of the best teachers available.
View the press release at http://h50025.www5.hp.com/ENP5/Public/Content.aspx?contentID=24816&portalid=372&pageid=1
Computer Facility at Shanti Bhavan School, a project of the George Foundation
Hewlett-Packard India has awarded a grant of $50,000 comprising cash and technology for a computer learning centre for senior school grade students from deprived backgrounds at the Shanti Bhavan residential school, Karnataka. Shanti Bhavan, a school for children from deprived backgrounds is a project of the George Foundation was established for the purpose of launching a unique project to help shape the future of a select number of very poor children of India - to mainstream them into wholesome, productive members of society. The George Foundation (TGF) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) working in rural Tamil Nadu (mainly in Krishnagiri district) and Karnataka states, serving over 16,000 people in 17 villages. The George Foundation’s mission is to work towards poverty eradication in India, promote environmental health, and strengthen democratic institutions and values in developing countries. Read the George Foundation at http://www.tgfworld.org/
Collaboration with Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT-B)
In 2006, HP collaborated with the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT-B). The program was founded on HP and IIIT-B's commitment to leverage their respective strengths, infrastructure and business processes in furtherance of philanthropic initiatives aimed at providing material benefits to the deserving sections of society. The computing products donated by HP were utilized in delivering training programs to deserving students in an effort to enhance their skills and increase their employability. The program aimed at contributing to the professional growth of students from underprivileged sections of society through capability building in the technology space.
| Employee volunteering at HP in India |
HP encourages employees to align with HP's global citizenship efforts by contributing to and volunteering in community programs. Our volunteering initiatives not only assist individuals who need our support, they also strengthen our reputation and relationships with local communities and other important stakeholders, and contribute to the improvement of employee morale and productivity.
At HP in India, there are a plethora of programs and initiatives conceived and run entirely by employees. Some of these are;
- MAD, or Making A Difference, is an Employee Volunteering organization that comprises employees who share a common passion: to make a genuine difference in the lives of underserved, disadvantaged people. MAD provides support to various organizations on a regular basis. Most initiatives are self-sustaining, often managed by small groups of employees with interest in specialized areas.
- The Community Service Club is a popular employee club at the Global Delivery India Centre. The motto of Community Service Club is to bring a transformation in the underprivileged sections of the society by connecting with them, in an individual capacity as well as a team.
- HEARTS: HP Employees: A Reason To Smile, is another Volunteer based CSR initiative at the Business Processing Delivery Organization (BPDO) - HP Global e:Business Operations. HEARTS, the corporate social responsibility initiative at the BPO, connects with the communities around to empower them through support in education and healthcare.
 Read recent stories of employee volunteering at HP
Article: HP volunteers make a difference to the lives of India's disadvantaged
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