Microsoft's Elevate America
); "Click here to view full size picture") |
Microsoft has made a corporate commitment to strengthen the U.S. economy and increase global competitiveness by improving access to education and workforce-readiness skills required for twenty-first-century jobs. To support this commitment, Microsoft launched Elevate America, an initiative designed to provide 1 million vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning courses and select Microsoft Certification exams at no cost to recipients. Elevate America will be implemented in cooperation with states across the country as part of the company's overall effort to help train 2 million people over the next three years.
Elevate America was implemented in Northwest Michigan through Northwest Michigan WORKS! The program provided a no-cost opportunity for individuals residing in the 10 counties of Northwest Michigan to increase their technology skills. Vouchers were utilized to complete Microsoft online courses and Microsoft business certification exams.
During the course of the program, 972 of 1036 available Microsoft Office vouchers were distributed to citizens in Northwest Michigan; this was a usage of 94%. Of the 264 available IT Professional vouchers, all 264 were distributed, a usage of 100%.