Social investment

Education presents HP with unique and far-reaching opportunities to make a difference. Too many students are not realizing the full promise of a quality education. Some are opting out early. Others are being left behind. While 86 percent of children globally enroll in a primary school, less than a quarter advance to college. Of those, just 4 percent graduate with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, disciplines essential to today's knowledge economy. As a result, many are not finding employment or are forced to accept marginal jobs. The United Nations estimates that nearly 76 million young people ages 15 to 24 were unemployed in 2008, representing 40 percent of the world's unemployed¹.

These challenges encompass numerous issues. Education systems worldwide are grappling with quickly changing and frequently disruptive socioeconomic conditions. Teachers are searching for more effective ways to engage and instruct students. And young people need greater access to education and training that prepares them to compete in a global economy driven by innovation and collaboration.

We believe the response to these fundamental challenges must be transformational. It requires re-envisioning the teaching and learning experience to be more personal, collaborative and connected, available anytime and anywhere. Solutions must be practical, inspirational and empowering.

Technology has an essential role to play in addressing global inequalities in education. It provides educators ways to rethink their approach to teaching and to redesign the learning experience. Technology also offers students opportunities to immerse themselves in their studies, to find, use and share information more broadly, and to interact dynamically with their peers and teachers.

HP is promoting advances at the point where teaching, learning and technology meet. Combined with our support of educational programs and organizations, we are applying the strength of our portfolio, our experience serving customers in the education industry and our relationships with educational leaders to help the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs develop the knowledge, skills and commitment they need to succeed.

HP believes that putting the power of IT in the hands of entrepreneurs is vital to fueling economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening communities, particularly in developing regions of the world. While increasing numbers of entrepreneurs are making strides toward self-sufficiency, few are using technology effectively to grow their business.

HP supports nonprofit organizations that promote the success of entrepreneurs and microenterprises worldwide. We grant cash and equipment to organizations that provide start-up assistance, business training and access to capital, and provide expertise to help them build IT skills and increase access to IT among entrepreneurs and microenterprises.

Since its earliest days, our company has made a commitment to making meaningful and lasting contributions to the communities where we work and live. We donate money, technology and time to underserved and disaster-struck communities as well as to global and local initiatives relevant to our business and the expertise of our employees.

In 2008, HP contributed $46.2 million in cash and products, representing 0.44 percent of our pre-tax profits, to advance innovation in education, promote entrepreneurship, and support communities where HP has a presence. Over the past five years, the value of our social investment has totaled nearly $246 million.

In addition, HP, together with the Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation, made donations of $4 million to support disaster relief efforts around the world in 2008 such as for the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, China, and excessive flooding in the Indian state of Bihar. HP employees also contributed personal funds and time in responding to local disasters.

The map below illustrates the global reach of our social investment programs in 2008.