Get Job Skills: Elevate America Veterans
Q. What is the Microsoft Elevate America Veterans Request for Proposals (RFP)?
A.
Building on our long history working with partners to provide IT skills training, as well as the Elevate America initiative launched last year, Microsoft has announced the Elevate America Veterans Initiative to help our country's veterans and their spouses acquire the skills and resources that they need to be successful in today's workplace.
Through a competitive funding process that uses a Request for Proposal (RPF), Microsoft is awarding cash, software, and other resources to eligible organizations or partnering organizations that may include veteran's service organizations, workforce agencies, community colleges, labor organizations, and other nonprofit organizations.
Grant recipients are receiving funding to provide veterans and their spouses with the support that they need to be successful as they transition to civilian careers. The services provided will include technology skills training, job placement, career counseling, and other support such as childcare, transportation, and housing. The initiative is intended to support active duty service members who are transitioning out of the military, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves who are returning to their civilian jobs.
Q. Who was eligible to apply for the Microsoft Elevate America Veterans Initiative RFP?
A.
All proposals had to include at least one organization that was eligible to receive cash funding from Microsoft as defined by the following criteria:
- IRS registered tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. State tax exemptions alone are not considered eligible.
- Meet Microsoft general funding guidelines
- Successfully pass the eligibility survey
Q. Where can organizations find more information?
A.
Additional information on the Microsoft Elevate America Veterans Initiative is available on the Information for Organizations page. Additional information on Microsoft Elevate America is available on the Microsoft Corporate Citizenship Tools: Elevate America page.
Q. What are the details of the program?
A.
Microsoft is bringing together a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations to provide skills training, job placement, and support services to veterans and their families. Microsoft will contribute $2 million in cash and up to $6 million software over the next two years to help support these programs. The initiative is being conducted over a two year period. It used an RFP to award cash, software, and other resources to eligible entities or partnerships of entities.
Q. What types of services will be provided to veterans and their families?
A.
The Elevate America Veterans Initiative will seek partners that will provide job training and job placement services, as well as other support services, to help veterans and their spouses with career transitions, including things like childcare, housing, and transportation assistance.
Q. Are all veterans eligible for the program?
A.
The initiative partners provide services to active duty service members who are transitioning out of the military, as well as to members of the National Guard and Reserves who are returning to their civilian jobs.
Q. How will Microsoft provide the broad range of support services that veterans need?
A.
Our goal is to bring together a broad coalition of organizations and companies that can combine their competencies and resources with ours to make the greatest possible impact to help veterans and their spouses. Our experience through programs such as Elevate America has taught us that successfully helping people learn new skills and find employment are complex tasks, and that to be successful we must draw on a wide range of resources and partners. We believe that success depends on a broad coalition of organizations providing a combination of training, job placement, career counseling, and other support services.
Voucher Program General FAQ
Q. What are the Web sites where I can go to get more information?
A.
General Elevate America veterans initiative information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/veterans
Q. How does the Elevate America program work with the participating locations?
A.
Microsoft works with each participating location to put in place the process for an individual to request a voucher for Microsoft eLearning or a voucher for a certification exam leading to a Microsoft business certification. Once an individual has a voucher through the process put in place by the participating location, they will be able to complete their training and/or certification at a number of locations.
Additionally, Microsoft is providing funding to make in person support available in each participating geography to ensure that veterans and their spouses have the support they need to successfully complete the training and certification.
Q. What are these vouchers for?
A.
Elevate America provides veterans and their eligible spouses vouchers for access to Microsoft eLearning courses and select certification exams at no cost to the recipients.
Q. What training and certifications can individuals receive through Elevate America?
A.
Elevate America includes:
- Microsoft Office Specialist – eLearning leading to xx certifications
- IT Technical Professional – eLearning leading to xx certifications
Q. What does this cost participating locations to implement?
A.
For locations that participate in the Elevate America program, there are no direct costs to them. Participating organizations may incur costs in the form of staff time or other resources used for distributing vouchers within the state.
Q. How long are the vouchers good for?
A.
Microsoft eLearning Vouchers are available for use by the end recipient for 12 months from date of activation which must be made within 12 months of the locations receipt of the vouchers. Vouchers designated for Test Prep and Microsoft Certification Exam(s) must be used within 12 months of locations receipt of voucher.
Voucher program technical questions
Q. I’m in “My Learning” but am not sure where to start or what to click on.
A.
Your course(s) will be listed in the center of the webpage. Click on a link for the course you wish to start and follow the instructions provided to start the course.
Q. I’m a returning user. Where do I go to continue my learning?
A.
To return to your learning, simply go to http://learning.microsoft.com/Manager/Default.aspx. Click the Sign In link in the middle of the page in the Returning User box to sign in with your Windows Live ID account. Under Available Training, click on the course you want to start.
Q. I’m just getting started using computers. Where do I begin?
A.
The following web page will provide you the information and instructions you need to get started: http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/us/communityinvestment/learning/new_users.mspx
Q. I’m an IT professional or developer. What resources are available to me?
A.
Access to the full Microsoft Learning library of e-learning courses is provided for you when you collect an access code voucher from your participating government agency. Go to the following Web page for more information and instructions: http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/us/communityinvestment/learning/tech_pros.mspx
Q. Where do I go to activate my e-learning voucher?
A.
Follow the instructions provided to you via the Web pages listed in the initial instructions. This same set of pages will provide you details on how to redeem your Certification Exam voucher. In an internet browser, go to Microsoft Elevate America Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/veteransvouchers. Under “Activate my voucher”, click the link that best describes the e-learning you are pursuing.
Q. What is the difference between an Access Code and a Voucher Code?
A.
There is no difference in these terms. Both refer to an e-learning activation code which will allow you to redeem a free e-learning course.
Q. How long will I be able to use my e-learning courses?
A.
Once you activate your e-learning, you will have 12 months of access to the courses.
Q. How many courses can I take with my e-learning voucher?
A.
Individuals pursuing intermediate level Windows and Office e-learning will see all of the available e-learning options in their “My Learning” manager. Learners can then pursue any and/or all of the training they choose for 12 months from activation. Individuals pursuing advanced level IT professional e-learning will have their choice of two “learning collections”, which consist of multiple courses, to pursue from the selection provided.
Q. How many exams can I take with my certification exam voucher?
A.
Your certification exam voucher will allow you to redeem one free certification exam.
Q. What do I do if I get stuck?
A.
If you find you need customer support with technical issues on your e-learning, please contact ElementK using the following information. Hours and additional information can be found in “Microsoft e-learning – English Support” on the help page: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/help/service-americas.aspx
Phone: 1-877-383-2829 in US and Canada
Email Address: Microsoftescalations@training.com
If you need support in your learning and training, please contact the organization that provided you the voucher for additional information on in person tutorial support.
Additional Resources
- Elevate America Veterans
- Information for Organizations
- Get a free 60 day trial of Microsoft Office
What We're Tweeting
RT @Office: Calling all nonprofits! Learn how to create better presentations in PowerPoint with @msftcitizenship from 11am-12pm PST http ...
0 days ago
Incredible students changing the world with technology! http://t.co/D939Dx22 Best of luck to #ImagineCup worldwide finalists!
0 days ago
A big congrats to all of the #ImagineCup finalists! http://t.co/D939Dx22 Best of luck to all of those competing in Australia!
1 day ago
Find Community Tools
By Interest
Connect With Us
 |
Connect with Us on Facebook |
 |
Follow Us on Twitter |
 |
Read the Microsoft Citizenship Blog |
