The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund Inc. (TMSF) has presented its highest award to Microsoft Corp. in recognition of the company’s sustained support of public historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and African-American students. Microsoft was honored with the Corporate Leadership Award at the fund’s annual awards dinner on Oct. 23 in New York City.

The Thurgood Marshall Corporate Leadership Award is presented annually to a corporate entity whose record of commitment to public HBCUs, education and diversity has advanced the overall mission of developing a new generation of leaders. This award is the highest annual award presented by the TMSF and serves as a model for others to emulate.

“Microsoft is honored that the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund has chosen to recognize our commitment to help diverse students achieve their full potential,” said Lisa Brummel, senior vice president of Human Resources at Microsoft. “We hope that our contributions of over $15 million to the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund will continue to provide HBCU students with access to technology tools, skills and innovation to be competitive in the changing global economy.”