Unemployment and the need for personal loans has skyrocketed in recent months. Since more than half of today’s jobs require some technology skills, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that will reach 77 percent in the next decade, immediate action is needed.

Fortunately, there are organizations out there like Microsoft who have the resources to give back to a country in need. With their “Elevate America” initiative, they’ll bring more people in touch with the technological skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace – at low or no cost. Over the next three years, Microsoft hopes that “Elevate America” will provide as many as two million people with the necessary technology training to succeed.

Skill building at your fingertips

Elevate America has two main resources for people looking to improve their technology IQ. First is an online resource that helps individuals understand the skills they need and how they can acquire them. Microsoft training programs from this site will include basics from Internet and E-mail use to résumé creation, Word and more. Second is a partnership Microsoft will share with state and local governments to get citizens certified in specific skills that are in demand for Information Technology and other related fields. Think of it as personal unsecured loans for the workers of today and tomorrow.

Get certified

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people are pursuing Microsoft technical certifications more than ever. Elevate America will provide one million Microsoft Learning vouchers for Microsoft eLearning classes and certain certification exams (Internet connection required). Here are just a few of the programs that are available:

• Basic technological literacy and skill training
• Basic IT training from Microsoft Unlimited Potential and Digital Literacy
• Vouchers for eLearning courses
• Vouchers for certification exams leading to Microsoft business certification
• Cash grants and software for community career training classrooms
• Access to a Web portal that provides training for success in today’s economy

Saving the world

Microsoft is setting an example that other technology companies should follow. Are you listening, Google? It would be a responsible thing to include technology training for Americans among the “save the world” menu you’re carting around. Personal loans and free help for people when they need it, which is right now. That would be admirable.

Related articles

• Microsoft Providing Some Online Training for Free (appscout.com)
• Computer/IT Industry On Growth Track, Offers Jobs Despite Recession (advancingwomen.com)
• What is Online Learning? (bwatwood.edublogs.org)