In February of this year Microsoft announced a new initiative, Elevate America, which will provide up to 2 million people with the technology training. Microsoft has positioned Elevate America as a response to the current economic crisis in partnership with others in the public and private sector.
Elevate America has two main offerings, one available immediately and one that will be provided in partnership with state governments including those of Florida, New York and Washington.
A new online resource, located at http://www.microsoft.com/ElevateAmerica, is available today. This new Web site helps individuals understand what types of technical skills they need for the jobs and opportunities of today and tomorrow, and lists resources to help acquire these skills. The Web site provides access to several Microsoft online training programs, including how to use the Internet, send e-mail and create a resume, as well as more advanced programs on using specific Microsoft applications.
Click play to hear Akhtar Badshah, Senior Director of Global Community Affairs at Microsoft, speaks with us about Microsoft’s Elevate America Training Program and how to participate.
Run Time 8:26
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For a greater range of training programs and certification exams, Microsoft will also partner with governments, which in turn will make these resources available to their citizens.
Washington State is already one of those partners. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire says that programs such as Elevate America are critical to providing support to Washington families and helping the economy recover.
“At the federal, state and local level, leaders are working together to help start the engine of economic growth. The private sector provides much of the spark needed to jump-start that engine,” Gregoire said. “Elevate America is a great example of Microsoft’s leadership on education and work force development -” issues that bring us a step closer to recovery by helping us provide critically important help to our citizens. Washington State is pleased to be one of the first states to partner with Microsoft to provide Elevate America to our residents.”
