Microsoft is working toward its vision of a PC in every home, announcing Tuesday a plan to bring computers, Internet access, software and job skills training to more than 1 million low-income students.

Expanding on its Shape the Future program, which helps governments provide technology access to citizens, Microsoft says it has launched a three-year commitment to work with private and government organizations, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to develop programs and policies that help low-income students overcome digital exclusion.

Seattle is one of the cities participating in Microsoft's digital inclusion initiative, with a program called the Great Student Initiative.

The first result of the program was a partnership announced last week between Comcast and Gov. Chris Gregoire that aims to bring broadband internet at a reduced cost to low income families in Washington.

Called Internet Essentials, the program provides eligible, low-income families with Internet access for $10 per month, as well as vouchers to purchase computers for $150.

Digital exclusion, or lack of Internet and computer access at home, affects both the lives of students and the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve estimates that the high school graduation rate of digitally excluded students is six to eight percent lower than those with home access to the Internet.

A recent study by the Arnold Group estimates that the cumulative impact of digital exclusion to the U.S. economy is $32 billion each year, and $1.2 trillion over the course of the students' lifetimes.

"Roughly 100 million Americans remain unconnected to high-speed Internet, and the economic cost of digital exclusion is rising every day," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in a statement. "This isn't a problem for government alone. The private sector, nonprofit groups and government actors must work collaboratively to close this gap, create jobs and ensure America's global competitiveness. Substantial commitments to bring digital access to millions more Americans are a significant step in the right direction."