Microsoft has partnered with the Scripps National Spelling Bee to help integrate technology and expand students and schools’ learning resources in the US.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the largest and longest-running educational programme in the US. Launched in 1925, an estimated 11 million students take part in the annual competition each year.

“Microsoft is an organisation much like the Bee, an organisation with a long history of supporting educators and educational programming,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. “By joining forces with Microsoft, we’re able to further support digital literacy in education, expand the impact of education and accelerate the growth potential for every student, educator and school.”

As part of the collaboration, Microsoft will provide a free Windows 8 spelling app for teachers and students which will be available for download from the Microsoft in Education page. The Bing for Schools search engine will offer a free, weekly spelling Bee lesson plan, which will also be available from the Microsoft Partners in Learning page. Furthermore, the Bing for Schools ‘Word of the Day’ will be available on the Bee’s Facebook page.

“I’m excited to see these new technology tools come to life,” added Kimble. “They will help create lifelong learners who look back at the Bee experience with the same fondness and passion that I do.”

Microsoft has also been made the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee Technology Champion.

“Spelling is a vital component for communicating, a skill highly valued in the best jobs of today and in the future,” said Margo Day, vice president of U.S. Education, Microsoft. “Microsoft has long been committed to ensuring all students have access to innovative and immersive technology that both inspires and improves their education experience, so collaborating with the 87-year legacy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee as the technology champion is an honour for us.”

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