May 26 - State Begins Training Partnership with Microsoft

ST. PAUL – The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that it will work with Microsoft in an innovative public-private partnership to provide free technology training to workers.  

Through its Elevate America program, Microsoft will work with the state’s WorkForce Centers to distribute 12,400 vouchers for technology training and certification.

“Through our partnership with Microsoft, the Elevate America program will provide tools and resources to help Minnesotans become technologically proficient and ultimately successful in the global workforce,” said Commissioner Dan McElroy.

Minnesota will receive 5,500 vouchers for online training, 5,500 vouchers for online testing, and 1,400 vouchers for more advanced level training:

● Each training voucher is redeemable for a free e-learning class on one of the programs in the Microsoft Office Suite.

● Each testing voucher is redeemable for an exam, which if passed, signifies a student is Microsoft certified in a particular software.

● Advanced level vouchers are redeemable for training for those on IT professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.

Vouchers will be distributed to citizens across the state on a first come, first served basis starting on May 26. Government employees are not eligible for these vouchers.

“Many Minnesota residents are eager to update their technology skills to remain competitive in the 21st century economy,” said Microsoft North Central District General Manager Don Leeke. “Through our partnership with the state of Minnesota, Microsoft Elevate America will provide the technology tools and resources to help individuals get the critical skills they need for success in today’s evolving workforce.”

For more information on the Elevate America training, visit www.PositivelyMinnesota.com/elevateamerica. Vouchers will be available at the state’s WorkForce Centers. Find your local WorkForce Center at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com or call 1-888-GET-JOBS. 

Microsoft announced the “Elevate America” program at the National Governor’s Conference in February 2009. The initiative is expected to provide up to 1 million vouchers nationwide for Microsoft e-Learning courses and select Microsoft certification exams at no or low cost to recipients. The program, part of Microsoft’s overall Unlimited Potential efforts to improve social and economic opportunities for people, will provide technology training for up to two million people during the next three years.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

For Microsoft inquiries please contact Jennifer Lee, Airfoil Public Relations, 248-304-1423, Lee@airfoilpr.com.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com