Microsoft Corp. today announced a donation of $1 million in Unlimited Potential software grants to support the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) plan for broadband deployment in rural communities in the Appalachian region of 13 states.

Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne Pope joined Ed Ingle, senior director of Legislative Affairs at Microsoft, to make the announcement at The Point Industrial Park in South Point. The Unlimited Potential software grants will be made through the ARC to local governments, community-based groups and educational institutions in the Appalachian region of 13 states, with priority given to recipients in economically distressed areas. The grants will not only assist in broadband deployment throughout the region, they will also be directed at education and work-force training programs in those areas. Grant recipients will also receive Microsoft� Unlimited Potential IT Skills training curriculum. The training curriculum is intended to be a resource to support community learning and enable individuals to acquire the skills to use technology effectively to help themselves and their communities. The Microsoft Unlimited Potential initiative is dedicated to improving lifelong learning for underserved youth and adults by providing technology-related skills through community-based technology and learning centers (CTLCs).