Thaindian News

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (BNO NEWS) – Governor Deval Patrick and two Microsoft spokespersons on Wednesday announced Elevate America, a partnership between Massachusetts and Microsoft to provide 26,000 free vouchers for technology training and certification to residents across the state.

“Massachusetts residents will benefit from the opportunity to strengthen their computer skills as we continue lead the way in businesses that rely heavily upon technology,” said Governor Patrick.

Elevate America is a Microsoft program dedicated to strengthening the U.S. economy and increasing global competitiveness by providing technology training for at least two million people over the next three years.

Microsoft has made one million vouchers available for technology training and certification through 15 states, including: California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and now Massachusetts.

“Elevate America adds to the range of resources available to people who are looking to develop or enhance their skills to meet the demands of the current job market. At Microsoft, we believe that this type of public-private partnership is playing an integral role in building the economy of states and localities across the country, making available the technology training that can expand employment opportunity for many,” said Vice President Flynn.

Elevate America provides a series of on-line tutorials designed to build the digital literacy skills for basic computer users. The coursework is free and available in 30 languages.

For intermediate and advanced users, the Microsoft program will provide e-learning and certification exam vouchers for key Microsoft products. The vouchers from Elevate America will give access to the Microsoft E-Learning courses and select certification exams to recipients at no cost. They will be available at the state’s 37 One Stop Career Centers.