Samsung, Microsoft announce essay contest

Samsung and Microsoft on Thursday said they will contribute products worth $2 million to schools through Samsung's second annual Hope For Education essay contest. The contest is open to students, teachers and parents.

Entrants need to submit a 100-word essay on "how will the growing use of technology in the classroom benefit students in the future?" Prizes, including mobile phones from Samsung, and educational and entertainment software from Microsoft, will be awarded to schools submitting essays, and each winning essay writer will receive a Samsung digital audio player. This year's essay contest will run from April 28 to July 1.