DreamSpark V2 for US has launched yesterday, June 15. It simplifies the enrollment verification system for higher-Ed students in US.

The existing verification methods continue to work -  a) Shibboleth-based verification by Universities (for Universities that are part of the InCommon federation)  and  b) Live@edu domain based verification (for Schools that use Live@edu).

Higher-Ed student enrollment Verification process for US DreamSpark™ v2?

1. On https://www.dreamspark.com/ sign-into LiveID.
2. Select product and Click on ‘Verify’.
3. Select Continent, Country, State (and optionally the City)
4. Select your School and hit Continue
• We have over 5000 schools listed and the verification proceeds based on the school selected.
• If a user cannot find their school (i.e. school is not listed), the  “Couldn’t get Verified” section has a  “Learn More” button that redirects them to a “Contact US” page where the user provides the name of the missing School so we can get it added to the list of 5000 schools.
5. Submit Name, Date of Birth and school provided .edu email address (i.e. an email address that ends in  .edu).  (We use this information to verify student enrollment status with National Student Clearinghouse.)
6. An activation email is sent to the .edu  email address provided with a 5x5 access code that when entered at https://www.dreamspark.com/Activate/ sets up 12 months of access to Dreamspark software downloads.

Support for Dreamspark can be reached at https://support.microsoft.com/contactus/emailcontact.aspx?scid=sw;en;1333&WS=DreamSparkCollege .

What is Microsoft DreamSpark™?

Microsoft DreamSpark ™ is a program that provides no-cost access to Microsoft designer and development tools and training for verified high school and university students around the world, to support and advance their learning and skills through technical design, technology, math, science and engineering activities. This program equips tomorrow’s developers with the professional tools to inspire and create today. https://www.dreamspark.com

Student feedback on Dreamspark has been enthusiastic –

“It is by definition another word for ‘awesome’ ". - Shawn Rakowski

“If you are a student, bring an umbrella, cause Microsoft software rains from the sky!  In my opinion, there is no better time to be a student then now.” - Michael Jacobsen

“I am on dream spark and this is a great idea….” - Joe Bateman Jr

“DreamSpark = amazing” - Alex Hagerman

The products that are included in Dreamspark program include: